Valsalva and orthostatic maneuvers increase liver stiffness (Fibroscan®) in healthy volunteers

Aims: Measurement of liver stiffness (LS) by transient elastography [Fibroscan (FS)] is a novel non-invasive approach to assess liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. We have previously shown that patients with cardiac inufficiency have drastically increased liver stiffness independent of fibrosis state. We here study whether hemodynamic changes in healthy volunteers (Valsalva and Schellong maneuver) affect liver stiffness. Methods and results: Liver stiffness was measured in 25 healthy individuals without history of liver disease in horizontally reclined, sitting and upright standing position. Measurements were performed wh…