Shear Wave Elastography versus Transient Elastography for Assessment of Liver Fibrosis

Abstract

To compare the accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) and transient elastography (TE) relative to liver biopsy (LB) for the assessment of liver fibrosis. A systematic review was conducted of relevant controlled clinical trials and randomized clinical trials. Quality assessment appraisal of the studies was done using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Four databases were searched using three key terms (SWE, TE, and liver). Thirty-two studies were identified and after screening, nine remained for inclusion for this review. Sensitivity, specificity, applicability, and the area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) values for both SWE and TE were compared using LB as a gold standard. This review demonstrates the potential for TE or SWE to serve as the gold standard for diagnosis of severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Further studies evaluating the accuracy and reliability of elastography in the diagnosis of earlier stages of liver disease are needed.