Steato-Score: Non-Invasive Quantitative Assessment of Liver Fat by Ultrasound Imaging

Nicole Di Lascio, Cinzia Avigo, Antonio Salvati, Nicola Martini, Monica Ragucci, Serena Monti, Anna Prinster, Dante Chiappino, Marcello Mancini, Domenico D'Elia, Lorenzo Ghiadoni, Ferruccio Bonino, Maurizia R. Brunetto, Francesco Faita

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming a global epidemic. The aim of this study was to develop a system for assessing liver fat content based on ultrasound images. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements were obtained in 61 patients and the controlled attenuation parameter in 54. Ultrasound images were acquired for all 115 participants and used to calculate the hepatic/renal ratio, hepatic/portal vein ratio, attenuation rate, diaphragm visualization and portal vein wall visualization. The Steato-score was obtained by combining these five parameters. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements were significantly correlated with hepatic/renal ratio, hepatic/portal vein ratio, attenuation rate, diaphragm visualization and portal vein wall visualization; Steato-score was dependent on hepatic/renal ratio, attenuation rate and diaphragm visualization. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was equal to 0.98, with 89% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Controlled attenuation parameter values were significantly correlated with hepatic/renal ratio, attenuation rate, diaphragm visualization and Steato-score; the area under the curve was 0.79. This system could be a valid alternative as a non-invasive, simple and inexpensive assessment of intrahepatic fat.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1585-1596
Number of pages12
JournalUltrasound in Medicine and Biology
Volume44
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 1 2018

Keywords

  • Controlled attenuation parameter
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Biophysics
  • Acoustics and Ultrasonics

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