Transient elastography in patients with cystic fibrosis

摘要

Background Hepatic involvement is frequent in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), with focal biliary cirrhosis being the pathognomonic hepatic manifestation. In around one-quarter of CF patients, it results in CF-associated liver disease (CFLD). This occurs as a relatively early complication with the majority of patients presenting in childhood or their early teens. However, a normal US does not preclude significant liver fibrosis and liver biopsy is an invasive procedure that is hampered by potential sampling errors. Transient elastography (TE) (Fibroscan) is a non-invasive, user-friendly and quick technique that provides an objective and reproducible measure of liver stiffness. This is accomplished with a device using an US probe mounted in the axis of a vibrator. Vibrations are transmitted by the transducer, inducing an electronic shear wave that propagates through the underlying tissue.