Fibrosdiagnostik

Fibrosdiagnostik refers to the diagnostic methods used to assess the degree of fibrosis in various organs. Fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, particularly collagen, which can lead to organ damage and dysfunction. This process is common in chronic liver disease, kidney disease, and lung disease, among others.

The diagnosis of fibrosis aims to quantify its severity and guide treatment decisions. Non-invasive methods are increasingly preferred over invasive liver biopsy for diagnosing liver fibrosis. These non-invasive techniques include blood tests that measure specific biomarkers (serological markers) indicative of liver damage and fibrosis. Examples of serological markers include hyaluronic acid, procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (PIINP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1).

Imaging techniques also play a crucial role in fibrosdiagnostik. Transient elastography (TE), also known as FibroScan, is a widely used non-invasive method that measures liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of fibrosis. Other imaging modalities like acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) are also employed. These methods provide a quantitative assessment of tissue stiffness, offering an alternative to traditional biopsy for staging fibrosis. The accuracy and reliability of these diagnostic tools are essential for managing chronic diseases and preventing their progression to irreversible organ failure.