Role of MRI in Evaluation of Hepatic Steatosis

Abstract

F at deposition is a common condition of the liver with a rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide; approximately 30% of the general population. A variety of clinical disorders is associated with hepatic steatosis including obesity, viral hepatitis, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, steroid use, chemotherapy, alcoholic liver disease, and pregnancy. Major two causes of hepatic steatosis are alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Early diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD can prevent the potential development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic steatosis is a common finding in potential living donors, and when excessive, places the recipient at risk for primary nonfunction of the graft.The extent of hepatic steatosis in the living donor could influence recipient outcome as well as potentially affect recovery of the donor after partial hepatectomy. Liver biopsy is the current diagnostic standard of reference for assessing steatosis. However, the procedure is invasive and cannot be performed repeatedly to monitor changes in liver fat content during therapeutic interventions. During the last decade, the role of radiologic modalities in the management of patients who have fatty liver disease has increasingly expanded. MRI and 1H-MRS are most accurate for the detection of hepatic steatosis. These modalities also can detect separate disease grades, especially for mild disease (<30% steatosis).