Dr. Sneha Abhishek KiniLiver Health
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Silent Epidemic
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a major public health concern in the world, being a 'silent epidemic', characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver among individuals with little to no alcohol consumption.
It encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (inflammation in the liver), which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (cancer).
The disease is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. NAFLD also increases the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of mortality in affected individuals.
The Diagnostic Challenge
Despite its high prevalence, NAFLD is underdiagnosed due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages, limited awareness among patients and healthcare providers, and inadequate screening.
Ultrasound for Liver Fat Estimation
Ultrasound liver fat estimation has now become a cornerstone in the non-invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis or fatty liver. Ultrasound can not only visualize but also objectively quantify fat accumulation in the liver.
Conventional Ultrasound:
Conventional ultrasound detects fatty liver/hepatic steatosis by assessing relative liver echogenicity, where fat accumulation increases brightness (hyperechogenicity) of liver parenchyma compared to the adjacent structures. This is a subjective and non-quantitative method.
Advanced Ultrasound Techniques:
However, with advanced ultrasound techniques, reliable and accurate quantitative assessment of the liver fat can be performed (objective evaluation). This can then be used for deciding management options and initiate early intervention if necessary.
Key Benefits of Ultrasound
- Non-invasive, quick, safe, and cost-effective technique
- Provides excellent parameter for serial treatment monitoring
- Assessment of liver fat fraction following weight loss or treatment
- Requires trained doctors to conduct the study (doer dependent)
