Ultrasound Elastography in Chronic Liver Disease: From Clinical Applications to Quality Assurance and Future Perspectives.
Authors
Affiliations (5)
Affiliations (5)
- Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Department, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços, S. Martinho do Bispo, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal.
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Centre, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal.
- Clínica de Imagiologia Diagnóstica e de Intervenção, Hospital de Santo António, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract
To provide a clinically oriented overview of ultrasound elastography in chronic liver disease, focusing on currently available techniques, their clinical applications, quality assurance, technical pitfalls, and emerging developments that may shape future liver imaging practice. A narrative review of the current literature was conducted using international guidelines, systematic reviews, and original studies retrieved from major scientific databases. Particular emphasis was placed on the clinical applications of ultrasound elastography, quality assurance procedures, interpretation of liver stiffness measurements, and future technological developments. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and shear wave elastography (SWE) have become established non-invasive techniques for liver fibrosis assessment, demonstrating excellent diagnostic performance, particularly for advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Beyond fibrosis staging, ultrasound elastography contributes to prognostic stratification, treatment planning, and longitudinal disease monitoring across a broad spectrum of chronic liver diseases. However, liver stiffness measurements may be influenced by technical and biological confounding factors, including inflammation, cholestasis, hepatic congestion, obesity, and postprandial status, highlighting the importance of standardised acquisition protocols and careful clinical interpretation. Emerging developments, including spleen stiffness assessment, multiparametric ultrasound, and artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis, are expected to further improve diagnostic accuracy and support precision hepatology. Ultrasound elastography has become an essential component of the non-invasive evaluation of chronic liver disease, substantially reducing the need for liver biopsy while improving fibrosis staging, prognostic stratification, and longitudinal patient monitoring. Its optimal clinical implementation requires appropriate patient selection, adherence to quality assurance procedures, and careful interpretation within the broader clinical context. Future advances in multiparametric ultrasound, artificial intelligence, and international standardisation are expected to further strengthen the role of ultrasound elastography within precision hepatology and personalised liver disease management. Ultrasound elastography should be integrated into routine liver imaging as part of a multimodal diagnostic approach. Standardised acquisition protocols, continuous quality assurance, and appropriate operator training are essential to ensure reliable and reproducible liver stiffness measurements. Radiographers play a key role in examination quality, protocol adherence, and multidisciplinary patient care, contributing to accurate diagnosis and improved clinical decision-making.