Disease-specific non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension in 2024.

Abstract

Advanced liver disease is a global health challenge which requires a timely and accurate diagnosis for optimal patient management. Traditionally, liver biopsy has been the gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver diseases; however, its invasiveness and associated risks, including bleeding, infection, and sampling errors, limit its utility. Non-invasive tests (NITs) have emerged as critical tools in liver disease evaluation, offering safe and effective alternatives to biopsy. This review explores the spectrum of NITs, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and clinical applications in specific liver diseases. NITs have demonstrated significant utility in monitoring chronic viral hepatitis, metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and cholestatic liver diseases, reducing the need for invasive procedures. While further refinement and validation are needed, NITs represent a major advancement in liver disease management, enhancing early diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and improving patient outcomes. This review delves into the various non-invasive tests employed in liver disease evaluation, emphasizing their benefits, limitations, and clinical applications. By examining the current landscape of NITs, we aim to elucidate how these advancements are revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of liver diseases, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.