COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ELASTOGRAPHY AND HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION IN DETERMINING THE STAGE OF LIVER FIBROSIS
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive pathological process characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins caused by chronic liver injury. Accurate staging of fibrosis is essential for determining prognosis, monitoring disease progression, and selecting appropriate therapeutic strategies. Traditionally, liver biopsy has been considered the gold standard for fibrosis assessment; however, it is invasive and associated with several limitations. In recent years, elastography has emerged as a non-invasive diagnostic alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of elastography and liver biopsy in determining the stage of liver fibrosis. The analysis demonstrated that elastography provides high diagnostic accuracy in moderate and advanced fibrosis stages while significantly reducing procedural risks. Nevertheless, liver biopsy remains important in cases requiring detailed histopathological evaluation. The combined application of both methods may improve diagnostic precision and optimize patient management.