Published online Nov 14, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.11914
Peer-review started: May 11, 2015
First decision: July 13, 2015
Revised: July 27, 2015
Accepted: September 14, 2015
Article in press: September 14, 2015
Published online: November 14, 2015
Processing time: 186 Days and 7.3 Hours
Unidimensional transient elastography (TE) is a noninvasive technique, which has been increasingly used in the assessment of diffuse liver diseases. This paper focuses on reviewing the existing data on the use of TE in the diagnosis of fibrosis and in monitoring disease progression in alcoholic liver disease, on the factors that may influence the result of fibrosis prediction, and last but not least, on its potential use in assessing the steatosis degree. Therefore, this field is far from being exhausted and deserves more attention. Further studies are required, on large groups of biopsied patients, in order to find answers to all the remaining questions in this field.
Core tip: This review article summarizes the existing data on the use of transient elastography in the noninvasive assessment of fibrosis and steatosis in alcoholic liver disease and highlights the still open questions in this field.