Ultrasound (fibroscan®) in evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in hereditary hemochromatosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the importance of transient elastography (FibroScan®) in the evaluation of the patient with hereditary hemochromatosis. METHODS: The data collection was done in the following databases: SCOPUS, PUBMED, MEDLINE e SCIENCE-DIRECT. Altogether, 31 articles in English and three in French were used. The keywords used in this data collection were: ultrasound, hemochromatosis, fibroscan®, elastography, hepatic fibrosis, élastographie impulsionnelle and fibrose hépatique. RESULTS: The results found in the papers collected were analyzed about specificity, sensitivity and predictive values of transient elastography. It was found good results in the tests with FibroScan® , as in the case of fibrosis evaluation: 70 % of sensitivity (CI 95 %, 67 - 73 %), 84 % of specificity (CI 95 %, 80 - 88 %), positive likelihood ratio of 4,2 (CI 95 %, 2,4 - 7,2) e negative likelihood ratio of 0,31 (CI 95 %, 0,23- 0,43). Therefore, FibroScan® is found to be a good method that can be used in the follow uo of the patients with hereditary hemochromatosis. FINAL DISCUSSION: It was found that the transient elastography is a good method to evaluate hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. As a conclusion, FibroScan® is a exam easily done, well tolerated by patients and with a high level of specificity, sensitivity and predictive values. However, there are just a few studies about FibroScan® in clinical practice.