Is Shear Wave Elastography a Good Fit for You?

If you’re having issues with your liver, you may be a candidate for a diagnostic imaging test known as shear wave elastography (SWE).

The SWE technology available at Gastro Center of Maryland can prevent the need for a surgical liver biopsy and provides our team with important information about your liver health.

Our board-certified gastroenterologists offer SWE imaging in-office, so you don’t have to travel anywhere else.

Understanding shear wave elastography

SWE is a diagnostic imaging modality that assesses the tissue elasticity of your liver. The technology uses low-frequency ultrasound imaging to identify scar tissue in the liver that’s common with chronic liver disease, including hepatitis.

SWE imaging can also measure the amount of fat in your liver to diagnose other liver diseases.

The goal of shear wave elastography is to identify underlying liver damage or disease without an invasive biopsy. However, if SWE shows that liver damage is present, you may still need surgery to remove a sample of liver tissue for further testing.

Why you might need shear wave elastography

The most common reason our team recommends shear wave elastography is to evaluate your liver for fibrosis, a symptom of early-stage cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when fibrous tissue blocks blood circulation through your liver.

A lack of blood flow can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, liver failure, and cancer of the liver.

Early diagnosis of fibrosis helps you get the treatment you need to prevent additional liver damage. Our specialists can also use SWE imaging to monitor your liver for a build-up of fatty deposits, which can also lead to liver disease.

What to expect during shear wave elastography

Shear wave elastography is a noninvasive, painless procedure. Your provider first applies a gel over your skin to help the ultrasound transducer slide smoothly.

You might have temporary discomfort as they press the transducer into your body and move it around to locate the liver. The device sends ultrasound waves into your tissues. The waves bounce off your liver and a computer generates real-time images of the organ on a monitor.

Your physician watches the monitor to view your liver and surrounding tissues. They make notes about the shape and size of your liver and assess whether the organ is stiff or filled with fluid.

Getting your shear wave elastography results

Shear wave elastography imaging provides images of your liver that can show any scarring that’s present. If there’s scarring, it can range from mild to advanced. Advanced scarring is an indication of cirrhosis.

Our team reviews your SWE images to determine if you need treatment. They can also discuss your options for a liver biopsy if more information is needed about the health of your liver.

If you have cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, or another liver disease, you can rely on the expertise of our gastroenterology team. They customize treatment plans to protect your liver function and can also provide preventive resources to lower your risk for liver disease.

Call the Gastro Center of Maryland office near you today to find out if you’re a candidate for shear wave elastography imaging, or use the online feature to book an appointment.