Noninvasive Alternatives for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis

Chronic liver diseases (CLD) are common and may lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatic malignancy. Detection and staging of liver fibrosis is crucial for management of patients with CLD. At present, liver biopsy is the standard method for staging fibrosis, but biopsies are poorly tolerated because they are invasive and associated with some discomfort and complications. In addition, limitations of biopsy include intraand inter-observer variation and sampling error. In recent years, a great interest and many studies have been dedicated to the development of noninvasive tests to substitute liver biopsy for fibrosis assessment and follow-up. Unfortunately, all of them have limitations and pitfalls. To discuss their advantages and deficiencies will be helpful in scientific research and clinical practice.