Imaging technique for fatty liver disease

Abstract

Fatty liver is a common liver disease, increased prevalence worldwide and the most common cause of abnormal liver function test in adults. The most common pattern is diffuse fatty liver. The less common imaging patterns may mimic neoplastic, inflammatory, or vascular conditions. The diagnostic gold standard of reference is biopsy with histologic analysis, but fatty liver disease can be diagnosed by noninvasive imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in both qualitative and quantitative assessment. In each imaging modality has its own criteria for diagnosis, advantages and disadvantages. Ultrasound is often the first option for diagnosis, but it depends on the operator and patient’s status. Computed tomography can detect fatty liver at a threshold of 30% and the patent receives ionizing radiation. Magnetic resonance imaging is probably the most accurate and fastest method of detecting fatty liver, but it is expensive. Properly choosing and using of each imaging modality for defection of hepatic fat content may be benefit for diagnosis fatty liver.