CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indographics 2022; 01(01): 057-077
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742574
Review Article

Fatty Liver Disease: Pathophysiology and Imaging Features

Sharad Maheshwari
1   Department of Radiology, Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Sachin Kumar
2   Department of Radiology, Ruban Memorial Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India
,
Bharatbhai V. Nakshiwala
1   Department of Radiology, Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Ayush Srivastav
1   Department of Radiology, Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Vinaya Chavan
1   Department of Radiology, Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Abhijit Raut
1   Department of Radiology, Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Anoushka Maheshwari
3   Department of Oncology, Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Abstract

Fatty liver is a benign condition to start with and is characterized by excess triglyceride in the hepatocytes. However, in the long term, it can lead to increased oxidative stress & inflammation, with resultant steatohepatitis. This can subsequently progress to cirrhosis and eventually an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver biopsy is the gold standard for quantification of fat and assessing the degree of fibrosis, however, it is invasive and cannot be applied to a wider patient population. Conventional modalities like ultrasound offer a qualitative assessment of fat and are more subjective. Non-enhanced CT scan has been effectively used for fat quantification based on Hounsfield values. MRI & more recently MRI PDFF (proton density fat fraction) offers accurate diagnosis, quantification, and monitoring of fatty liver disease in a noninvasive manner. This acts like an Imaging biomarker. Newer techniques like USG Elastography & MR Elastography help in the detection of fibrosis. Steatohepatitis and early liver fibrosis are reversible and it is crucial to detect and quantify to guide disease management. The radiologist can play a vital role in quantifying fat, detecting fibrosis, and early signs of chronic liver disease.



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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
19. September 2023

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