Fibroscan® probe selection for lean adults

Background and Aim Fibroscan (R) is used to assess fibrosis and steatosis of the liver noninvasively. The company suggests to use the S+-probe in people <18 years with a thoracic circumference (TC) between 45 and 75 cm and the M+-probe in children with a TC >75 cm and adults with a skin-liver capsule distance <2.5 cm. For lean adults with a TC <= 75 cm, no comparative studies have been performed. Furthermore, it is unclear whether lean adults need to be fasted before assessment. Methods We compared liver stiffness (LS) using Fibroscan (R) S+- and M+-probes and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP; only available for M+-probe) in healthy volunteers with a TC <= 75 cm compared with those with a TC >75 cm in fasting state and after intake of a standardized light meal (300 kcal). Results We examined 50 volunteers (26 female, 24 +/- 3 years). Twenty-two participants were in the TC <= 75 cm group and 28 in TC >75 cm group. LS values with the S+-probe were 15% higher than with the M+-probe in both groups (median difference 0.6 kPa, P < 0.001). Both probes showed good agreement with minimal bias (Spearman correlation r = 0.754, P < 0.001; Interclass Correlation Coefficient 0.843, P < 0.001; Bland-Altman bias 0.6 +/- 0.9 kPa, linear regression r(2) = 0.557, P < 0.001). Intake of a light meal had no relevant influence on LS (S+- and M+-probes) or CAP measurements (M+-probe) in both groups. Conclusion Lean adults with a TC below 75 cm can be assessed with either the S+-probe or the M+-probe and may take a light meal before assessment.

Automated summary

The study aimed to compare liver stiffness assessments using Fibroscan (R) S+ and M+ probes, as well as controlled attenuation parameter (only available for M+ probe), in healthy volunteers with a thoracic circumference <= 75 cm and >75 cm. Results showed that intake of a light meal had no relevant influence on liver stiffness or CAP measurements in both groups, indicating that lean adults with a thoracic circumference below 75 cm can be assessed with either probe and may eat before assessment.