M.R.S. and Ultra sound liver scan vs. liver biopsy

[blabbermouth]

My husband has just taken part in a study for the use of ultra sound scan and a Magnetic resonance spectroscopy scan of his liver. The researchers believe they can now obtain the same amount of information as they are able to with a biopsy, without being invasive and avoiding any chance of bleeding. There are two scans, first is a normal one with a belt like device put over your abdomen area and scanned in the tunnel, and the second is basically a fluid (dye) pumped through your liver via an injection in your arm, which allows the researchers to study the detection of blood flow in the blood vessels of the liver, allowing better visualisation of the liver. Both scans are put through a computer software program, giving out a reading of the progression of liver damage (eg fibrosis, chirrosis etc). My husband had these scans before he starts his treatment and then again every six months for the next two years. He has already had two normal liver biopsies, which he says, "as long as you remain possitive, it is not as bad as it sounds." The standard biopsies provided the necessary information until this research become standardized. Has anyone else had these new scans?

[Texas714]

Sounds like something I had.  On the one with the dye in the arm...I had to hold my breath and do some things like that while in the "tube".  Mine was done at an imaging center at UT Southwestern...That's Texas but I'm sure if that's what you are talking about they would have them in your area as well.
But no one called it a Fibroscan...so I'm not sure...I will continue to have this done every 6 months because they found some "spots" on my liver.  I'm about due another one...I'll see what they call it.  But either way...that's what they were looking at and how they found the "spots".
Good Luck in finding something for her.

[hug11]

My wife is afraid she has liver disease. Her Doctor says a liver biopsy is not "going to happen" at this time. We have heard of liver scans and are looking for a place to have a Fibroscan done. Do you know any locations on the west coast?