[Experimental study on quantitative evaluation of fatty liver by computed tomography]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Radiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Fatty liver disease is a growing concern.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for management.
• Current diagnostic methods can be invasive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the significance of measuring computed tomography (CT) values in diagnosing fatty liver.
• To establish a correlation between CT values and liver fat content.
• To assess the potential of CT scans as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.

Main Methods:

• 32 rabbits underwent biochemical, histological, and CT examinations.
• Rabbits received varying doses of intravenous fat emulsion for 4 weeks.
• Liver CT values were measured and correlated with biochemical and histological findings.

Main Results:

• Reduced liver CT values were observed, correlating with the dose of fat emulsion administered.
• A moderate degree of fatty liver was diagnosed based on CT values in rabbits receiving 8g/kg/day.
• Significant correlations were found between CT values and liver triglyceride, total cholesterol, and cholesterol ester content.
• CT value changes strongly correlated with histological fat accumulation.
• No significant correlation was found between CT values and liver phospholipid, protein, or water content.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged administration of fat emulsion can induce fatty liver in rabbits.
• Measurement of liver CT values is a reliable, non-invasive method for diagnosing fatty liver disease.
• CT-based assessment of liver fat shows strong correlation with biochemical and histological markers.