Imaging diagnosis and quantification of hepatic steatosis: is it an accepted alternative to needle biopsy?

Rom J Gastroenterol. 2005 Dec;14(4):419-25.

Abstract

Hepatic steatosis is a frequently encountered disease in medical practice and it has a great importance due to the potential evolution towards cirrhosis. The clinical and laboratory evaluation has a quite reduced positive predictive value. On the other hand, a series of imaging techniques may be used for the diagnosis and quantification of steatosis: magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, and not least, ultrasonography. The contribution of each of the afore mentioned methods in the diagnosis of the hepatic steatosis will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatty Liver / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Ultrasonography