What is an elastography?An elastography, also known as liver elastography, is a type of imaging test that checks the liver for fibrosis. Fibrosis is a condition that reduces blood flow to and inside the liver. This causes the buildup of scar tissue. Left untreated, fibrosis can lead to serious problems in the liver. These include cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. But early diagnosis and treatment can reduce or even reverse the effects of fibrosis.There are two types of liver elastography tests:Ultrasound elastography, also known as Fibroscan, the brand name of the ultrasound device. The test uses sound waves to measure the stiffness of liver tissue. Stiffness is a sign of fibrosis.MRE (magnetic resonance elastography), a test that combines ultrasound technology with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body. In an MRE test, a computer program creates a visual map that shows liver stiffness.Elastography testing may be used in place of a liver biopsy, a more invasive test that involves removing a piece of liver tissue for testing.Other names: liver elastography, transient elastography, Fibroscan, MR elastography
