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Published on: October 20, 2023
US Quantification of Liver Fat: Past, Present, and Future
David T Fetzer1, Theodore T Pierce1, Michelle L Robbin1
1From the Department of Radiology (D.T.F.) and Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases (A.M.), UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, E6-230-BF, Dallas, TX 75390-9316; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (T.T.P.); Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala (M.L.R.); Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montréal Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (G.C.); Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis (T.J.H.); Department of Radiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan (A.C.); Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Homburg/Saar, Homburg, Germany (R.K.); and Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada (A.T.).
Fatty liver disease requires better noninvasive detection methods. Ultrasound (US) shows promise for widespread screening and monitoring, with new quantitative techniques on the horizon.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Fatty liver disease prevalence is increasing globally, leading to significant health and economic burdens.
- Accurate, noninvasive methods are needed for early detection and treatment monitoring of fatty liver.
- Current imaging techniques like CT and MRI have limitations for widespread fatty liver screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the societal impact of fatty liver disease.
- To summarize current CT and MRI for liver fat quantification.
- To describe current and emerging ultrasound-based techniques for liver fat evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of CT and MRI for liver fat quantification.
- Description of established and novel ultrasound techniques for liver fat assessment.
- Analysis of quantitative biomarkers including attenuation, backscatter, and speed of sound.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound is a safe, accessible modality well-suited for fatty liver screening and surveillance.
- Existing qualitative US signs are less reliable for mild fatty liver and subtle changes.
- Emerging quantitative US biomarkers and AI-based tools show future promise for improved detection.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound offers a promising, accessible approach for fatty liver disease screening and monitoring.
- Advancements in quantitative ultrasound techniques and AI are expected to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Further research into novel US-based methods is crucial for managing the growing burden of fatty liver disease.
