Application value of elastography in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process of various chronic liver injury. It is the early stage of liver cirrhosis. Therefore, It is particularly important to diagnose and monitor liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis, but cannot be used as the first choice for screening because of its invasiveness. Elastography has unique advantages. Including the simple method, no radiation, no trauma and real time, so it has been widely recognized by clinicians. This paper introduces the elastography technology used in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis, including transient elastography, real-time tissue elastography, acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) and real-time shear wave elastography. Its application, advantages and disadvantages are also reviewed.