FibroScan's evolution: a critical 20-year review.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Medical Imaging
• Diagnostic Technology

Background:

• FibroScan, originally for cheese, is now a key tool for liver fibrosis assessment.
• Liver biopsy, the traditional standard, has limitations including invasiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review FibroScan's evolution, functionality, and comparative accuracy.
• To explore its applications in various liver conditions and patient populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on FibroScan.
• Comparative analysis against traditional liver biopsy methods.
• Examination of technical aspects and clinical precision.

Main Results:

• FibroScan demonstrates accuracy in diagnosing liver fibrosis, particularly in advanced stages.
• It shows potential in pediatric cases and monitoring COVID-19 liver complications.
• Accuracy varies by clinical setting and specific liver condition.

Conclusions:

• FibroScan is a transformative technology for liver disease management, offering non-invasive assessment.
• Future research will focus on AI integration, point-of-care devices, and guided biopsies.
• It enhances early detection, disease monitoring, and hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction.