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Non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic steatosis

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Abstract

Non-invasive diagnosis and quantification of hepatic steatosis rely on two different but complementary approaches: biomarkers or imaging techniques, either ultrasound-based such as liver ultrasonography and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), or computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Scores for the detection of steatosis have not gained much popularity in clinical practice so far. CAP, using the M probe, is the most promising technique but needs to be implemented with the XL probe and compared to ultrasound that, despite its limitations, remains the most widely used method. CT, owing to its low sensitivity and the fact that it involves a potential radiation hazard, is inappropriate. Finally, proton density fat fraction measurement by MRI is currently the most accurate and sensitive imaging method, simpler and more practical than magnetic resonance spectroscopy, but restricted, up to now, just to research and clinical trials.

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  1. Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, 100 Boulevard du Général Leclerc, 92110, Clichy, France

    Christiane Stern

  2. Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM UMR 1148, CRI, Université Paris Diderot, Clichy, France

    Laurent Castera

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Stern, C., Castera, L. Non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. Hepatol Int 11, 70–78 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-016-9772-z

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