Transient elastography (FibroScan) in critical care: Applications and limitations

Core Tip

Core Tip: Liver dysfunction is common in critically ill patients. For diagnosis, severity assessment, and prognostication of liver fibrosis, liver biopsy is considered the gold standard. However, because of inherent risks associated with the invasive nature of liver biopsy, non-invasive tests may be preferable in intensive care unit patients. Serology markers for liver fibrosis lack specificity and accuracy and hence newer tests like liver stiffness measurement (LSM) are increasingly been used in these patients. Transient elastography using FibroScan is arguably the most commonly employed and validated tool for LSM. FibroScan has been used in the management, prediction of complications, and prognostication of various liver diseases including acute and chronic conditions. However, there are several integral limitations which should be considered while applying this test in critically ill patients.