A Review of Transient Elastography as a Screening Tool in Pediatric Hepatic Diseases

Abstract

Fatty liver disease is now increasingly being identified in children and adolescents. It has even gained a new call, Metabolic Dysfunction - Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. It entails the entire spectrum, from simple accumulation of fat deposits inside the liver to causing inflammation and liver damage ensuing in cirrhosis. Currently, the gold standard for diagnosis is Liver Biopsy, which is an invasive technique. Suppose Ultrasonography with Transient Elastography is included at the screening stage, along with the routine tests. In that case, the chances of missing Metabolic Dysfunction - Associated Steatotic Liver Disease will be reduced, and corrective interventions can be taken early.There are numerous studies on Transient Elastography in children with Hepatic Diseases. It is practised worldwide but has yet to become popular in India. In most cases, it is USG Abdomen, stating that the liver is enlarged and has some features. The routine practice of Transient Elastography is performed by a few radiologists and a few centres. However, if Transient Elastography can be added as a feature, many chronic cases can be identified early. Furthermore, it can be used as a routine screening tool in our adolescent populations.