MR and transient elastography for the non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis

Sullivan T, Merlin T
Record ID 32006001412
English
Authors' results and conclusions: The shortcomings of liver biopsy highlight the need for a reliable and non-invasive measure of liver fibrosis. Although elastography appears to be a promising technique for assessing the extent of liver fibrosis, the technique, particularly in the case of magnetic resonance (MR) elastography, is in an early stage of development. Questions still remain regarding the diagnostic effectiveness of elastography, the cost implications of its introduction and the length of time before the technology is available for use in Australia.
Authors' recommendations: Elastography appears to be a reliable technique for diagnosing severe liver fibrosis. For conditions such as viral hepatitis however, antiviral therapy should ideally begin in the early stage of fibrosis. Given the low quality of evidence outlining the ability of elastography to detect mild or moderate fibrosis, it is recommended that the technology be archived.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2006
URL for published report: Not Available
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: Australia
MeSH Terms
  • Elasticity
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System
  • Liver
  • Liver Cirrhosis
  • Ultrasonography
Contact
Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment
Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617
Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au
Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.