Investigation of fatty liver
Diagnosis of fatty liver is done quickly, gently and precisely via ultrasound of the liver. w/ elastography. Mthe method meter stiffness i the liver and can uncover early sign for fibrosis i to deliver for a long time before the symptoms noticeable. Most common cause for fibrosis development i lever due to fettle lever og inflammation as en consequence of this. Early developement of oppdagelse gir you opportunity for å reverse At Medicus you will receive an examination and assessment from experienced specialists in digestive diseases.
What is fatty liver – and why is it important to detect it early?
Fatty liver disease is very common, affecting up to 30-40% of adults in Western countries. Fatty liver disease is often discovered on ultrasound, CT or MRI scans as an incidental finding. Inflammation of the liver develops through the accumulation of fatty tissue in the liver, and this is the most common cause of elevated liver function tests. Fatty liver disease is also referred to as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The disease is associated with obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, but around 10-15% who develop the disease are of normal weight.
The positive thing is that the condition can often be reversed if it is detected early and followed up properly.
Facts about fatty liver and who it affects
- Approximately 40% of adults in Western countries have fatty liver
- Of these, 20% inflammation, which can lead to scarring (fibrosis)
- Around 20-30% of all patients with type 2 diabetes have advanced fibrosis and it is believed that around 70% are undiagnosed.
- 6-10% develop cirrhosis and liver failure and the condition gives a significantly increased risk of liver cancer
How does the evaluation of fatty liver with elastography work?
Elastography sends gentle pressure waves through the liver. The machine measures how the waves move – the stiffer the liver, the more fibrosis or scarring may be present.
For the evaluation of fatty liver, a 30-minute consultation with an experienced specialist in digestive diseases is scheduled. This includes an examination with elastography/pressure measurement, which takes 5-10 minutes of the consultation.
Our specialists will make an assessment based on the ultrasound examination, blood tests and your risk factors. You will receive the results immediately after the examination. The specialist will advise you on further treatment or follow-up checks based on an individual assessment.
Advantages of elastography
- No discomfort or intervention
- Can detect fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis
- Can be followed up over time to see the effect of treatment and lifestyle changes
Who should have liver elastography for the investigation of fatty liver?
We recommend ultrasound liver elastography for you who:
- Har type 2 diabetes (as a high proportion have advanced fibrosis without knowing it)
- Har BMI over 30 with other risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high blood sugar) and FIB-4 test >1.3 (FIB-4 is a simple blood test that can be taken at your GP or at Medicus.
- Har high alcohol consumption over time (>15-20E/week, PEth >0.3)
Frequently asked questions about elastography
No, it is en hero painless examination.
Du get answer same day, rett by the survey.
Our experienced specialists evaluate findings from the examination in the context of your risk factors, and make an individual assessment of your needs for treatment or further follow-up with checks.
