WFUMB Guidelines/Guidance on Liver Multiparametric Ultrasound. Part 2: Guidance on Liver Fat Quantification

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Diagnostic Ultrasound

Background:

• The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) developed guidelines for multiparametric ultrasound.
• Part 2 focuses on quantifying liver fat content using ultrasound technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance on using ultrasound tools for liver fat quantification.
• To explain the principles behind attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and speed of sound for liver fat estimation.
• To assist readers in interpreting ultrasound-based liver fat measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes raw ultrasound beam data to estimate liver fat content.
• Employs three key parameters: attenuation coefficient, backscatter coefficient, and speed of sound.
• Discusses confounding factors and suggests a standardized protocol for measurement acquisition.

Main Results:

• The document outlines methods for estimating liver fat using specific ultrasound parameters.
• A standardized protocol is proposed to address and mitigate confounding factors.
• Recommendations are based on existing literature and expert consensus.

Conclusions:

• This guidance aids in understanding and interpreting ultrasound-based liver fat quantification.
• Standardized protocols are crucial for reliable liver fat estimation using ultrasound.
• Further research may be needed to formally grade recommendations due to limited evidence at the time of drafting.