Characterization of Liver Steatosis by Ultrasonography in Comparison to Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects about 10–30% of the population worldwide, with a higher incidence among obese and diabetic patients. Imaging modalities such as ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are preferred for hepatic fat assessment. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnosis of liver steatosis by ultrasonography versus Magnetic resonance imaging. Patients and methods: This was a cross sectional study that was that included all non- alcoholic fatty liver disease patients aged 18 years or older who agreed to participate. The study conducted comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history. Imaging involved pelviabdominal ultrasonography and MRI with T1/T2 weighted imaging. Laboratory investigations included liver function tests and glucose levels. BMI was calculated using standard formula. The primary focus was comparing liver steatosis diagnosis via ultrasonography and MRI, with a secondary objective to establish correlation between the two methods. Results: The majority of patients with T1 hyperintense signals had diffuse fat infiltration on ultrasound (91 vs 9, p = .182) compared to focal fat infiltration, while the majority of patients with T2 mild hyperintense signals had diffuse fat infiltration on ultrasound (72 vs 9, p = .128) and those with hypointense signals had diffuse fat infiltration as well (19 vs 0, p = .128), but none of these results were statistically significant. Conclusion: There is an agreement between MRI and US results in diagnosing Hepatic Steatosis, with most patients with diffuse fat infiltration on US showing T1 hyperintense signals and T2 mild hyperintense signals but none of these results were statistically significant.