Ultrasound diagnosis of fatty liver disease

Abstract

Fatty liver is defined as steatosis affecting > 5% of hepatocytes. Fatty liver disease, especially non-alcohol-related fatty liver, is collectively referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, it has been reported that liver fibrosis is an important factor in the prognosis of NAFLD. Although B-mode ultrasound has been used to diagnose fatty liver disease, good sensitivity and specificity are generally not achieved unless more than 30% of the liver is found to be fatty. Recently, quantitative evaluation of steatosis using ultrasound attenuation has become available. Based on real-world clinical data, it is now possible to diagnose steatosis affecting > 5% of hepatocytes using ultrasound attenuation. In addition, the diagnosis of liver fibrosis using ultrasound elastography has been established, and the role of ultrasound in the clinical setting of fatty liver is important.