Abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of FibroScan in detection of cirrhosis and the distribution of liver fibrosis in alcohol consulting out-patients. Methods 98 consecutive patients were included and needle liver biopsy was proposed when liver stiffness exceeded 13 kPa. Results The measurement could not be performed correctly in 9 patients because of excess weight. Of the 53 patients with liver stiffness greater than 13 kPa,8 refused liver biopsy and three were primarily managed for other diseases. In the 33 patients in whom liver biopsy was performed,the presence of cirrhosis was confirmed in 21 cases and liver fibrosis in 12 cases. Conclusion FibroScan allows the diagnosis of cirrhosis with a high positive predictive value （97%） and assesses non-invasively liver fibrosis. We can formulate the following hypothesis which remains to be confirmed: below 8 kPa,there is probably no significant fibrosis;For patients between 8 and 13 kPa,the hepatic fibrosis is accumulating;and finally,beyond 13 kPa,the cirrhosis is established and a specific treatment should be implemented.

Key words: Alcohol consultinig, Cirrhosis, Liver fibrosis, Stiffness of liver, FibroScan