NONINVASIVE ASSESSMENT OF LIVER FIBROSIS: THE ROLE OF ELASTOGRAPHY

Abstract

Cirrhosis, irrespective of the underlying etiology, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The development of portal hypertension often precipitates life-threatening sequelae, profoundly impacting the quality of life of patients and their carers[1]. Despite recent advancements in diagnostic modalities and the design of rigorous clinical trials targeting PH and its complications, the management of patients with decompensated cirrhosis continues to pose significant challenges within the field of hepatology[2,3].A better understanding of the evolving decompensation pathways in cirrhosis, particularly the distinction between AD and NAD, offers important clinical and pathophysiological insights. NAD has emerged as a distinct clinical entity characterized by low severity, the absence of systemic inflammation, and a more indolent trajectory compared to AD. Unlike classical AD events, such as acute variceal bleeding, NAD is associated with reduced urgency for hospitalization, therefore allowing for a more nuanced risk stratification and resource allocation[3].