Elastography in Combination with Other Biomarkers: Role of Algorithms

Abstract

Liver elastography gives information on the viscoelastic properties of hepatic tissue—liver stiffness (LS). In contrast, serum markers and imaging techniques provide different information. Information held by circulating biomarkers relate to hepatocellular or biliary damage, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodelling, liver function, or portal hypertension, whereas imaging provides information on structural changes and hepatic hemodynamics. Consequently, the combination of different types of information from elastography, blood tests, and imaging methods may provide knowledge and decision-making power that an individual test cannot provide alone. Algorithms are the mathematical combination of different types of information, either in parallel (at the same time) or sequential (one index test, followed by another test depending on the result of the index test).