Factors Associated with the Quality of Transient Elastography

Transient elastography is a noninvasive method for the evaluation of fibrosis in chronic liver disease. However, its reliability is variable, and the factors associated with its accuracy have not been identified completely.

To identify the factors associated with the reliability of transient elastography.

A total of 2033 transient elastography measurements were taken from March 2009 to October 2013. Reliability was determined according to the interquartile range/median (IQR/M < 0.30 = reliable; IQR/M < 0.10 = very reliable). Other indicators such as the percentage of successful measurements (>60 %), time of performance, and probe size were recorded. Potential factors that could affect the reliability of the procedure were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Slightly less than 5 % of the measurements were unsuccessful, and 83 % of the successful measurements were found to be reliable. Factors associated with an unsuccessful measurement were female gender, incorrect probe size, and the presence of HCV infection. Unreliable measurements were associated with use of the procedure as part of a clinical study and success rate. Very reliable evaluations were associated with >10 measurements, the presence of chronic hepatic disease, and a success rate of >60 %.

The operator and clinical and anthropometric characteristics are factors that influence the success and reliability of transient elastography. Improvements in the quality of the procedure are needed to provide better diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.