Publication: Correlation between Computed Tomography and Ultrasonography Findings in Patients with Fatty Liver
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Fatty liver disease, linked to obesity, alcohol consumption, and insulin resistance,
is characterized by pathological fat deposition exceeding 5%. Its rising global
prevalence, particularly in Southeast Asia, highlights the need for effective diagnostic
modalities.
Objective
To find the correlation between computed tomography and ultrasonography findings
in patients with fatty liver.
Method
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 211 patients from December
2016 to October 2017. Patients referred for computed tomography chest and
abdomen were included, excluding those with diffuse or focal liver disease other
than fatty liver. Computed tomography attenuation values were measured using non-
contrast sequences, with participants showing mean hepatic attenuation less than
+48 Hounsfield units subjected to further ultrasound and shear wave elastography
examinations. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, with associations
examined through Pearson correlation, ANOVA and Shapiro-Wilk test.
Result
The study included 100 males and 111 females, aged 21 to 65 years. The mean
computed tomography attenuation was +40.31 Hounsfield units. A moderately
strong negative correlation was found between Computed Tomography attenuation
and ultrasound grades of fatty liver (Spearman’s coefficient = -0.775, p = 0.005). No
significant correlation was observed between computed tomography attenuation and
shear wave elastography values, nor between patient age and hepatic attenuation.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates a significant correlation between computed tomography
attenuation and ultrasound grades of fatty liver, highlighting their complementary
roles in diagnosing fatty liver disease. However, no significant correlation was found
between computed tomography attenuation and shear wave elastography values.
KEY WORDS
Attenuation, Computed tomography, Elastography, Fatty liver, Ultrasound
Description
Kayastha P,1 Paudel S,1 Chapagain P,1 Shingh SS,1 Adhikari B,1 Joshi S,1 Katwal S2
1Department of Radiology and Imaging
Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
2Department of Radiology and Imaging
National Trauma Center
Kathmandu, Nepal
Keywords
Attenuation, Computed tomography, Elastography, Fatty liver, Ultrasound