Fatty liver disease — now called metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — is closely linked to diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Left unrecognized, it can progress to fibrosis and serious liver disease. Liver elastography lets us measure liver stiffness in the office, painlessly and without a biopsy.
Liver Elastography
Non-invasive assessment of liver stiffness and fibrosis — no biopsy required.
How It Works
We perform shear-wave elastography on a Siemens Sequoia ultrasound system. The technology sends a gentle pulse into the liver and measures how quickly it propagates through the tissue — stiffer tissue indicates more fibrosis. The exam is quick, painless, and requires no needles or sedation, and it provides an objective measurement that can be tracked over time as your metabolic health improves.
Why It Matters for Metabolic Patients
Because liver fibrosis is silent in its early stages, many patients with diabetes or obesity have significant liver disease without knowing it. Elastography allows us to identify who is at risk, decide who needs closer attention or referral, and measure the benefit of treatment — including weight loss, GLP-1–based therapy, and metabolic optimization — over time. For most patients, it replaces the need for an invasive liver biopsy.
Ask about liver elastography
If you have diabetes, obesity, or fatty liver disease, ask whether elastography is right for you. Call (858) 622-7200.