MRI Spectroscopy as A Diagnostic Model for Assessment of Liver Steatosis in NAFLD Non Diabetic Patients

Abstract

onalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, ranging from simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to liver cirrhosis, with its complications including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The majority of subjects with NAFLD are clinically asymptomatic during the pre-cirrhotic stage. As the disease progresses, clinical features of liver decompensation can develop. The diagnosis of NAFLD requires evidence of hepatic steatosis; in the absence of other causes of liver fat accumulation. Liver Biopsy remains the most diagnostic and golden method for diagnosing NAFLD. But is invasive and expensive and cannot be used for screening suspected patients. Imaging techniques to diagnose NAFLD include Ultrasonography, which is recommended as the first-line diagnostic method in assessing steatosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provide the highest precision (sensitivity and specificity) in quantifying steatosis and liver fat mapping when compared to other imaging modalities. With promising initial data, MRI and MRS may become the gold standard for the diagnosis and management of NAFLD in the near future, although the cost of such imaging is still a significant health and economic barrier.