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Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers of NAFLD

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Abstract

Conventional imaging modalities, including ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR), play an important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by allowing noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. However, conventional imaging modalities are limited as biomarkers of NAFLD for various reasons. Multi-parametric quantitative MRI techniques overcome many of the shortcomings of conventional imaging and allow comprehensive and objective evaluation of NAFLD. MRI can provide unconfounded biomarkers of hepatic fat, iron, and fibrosis in a single examination—a virtual biopsy has become a clinical reality. In this article, we will review the utility and limitation of conventional US, CT, and MR imaging for the diagnosis NAFLD. Recent advances in imaging biomarkers of NAFLD are also discussed with an emphasis in multi-parametric quantitative MRI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Sonja Kinner

  2. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany

    Sonja Kinner

  3. Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA

    Scott B. Reeder

  4. Department of Radiology and Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2201 Inwood Road, NE2.210B, Dallas, TX, 75390-9085, USA

    Takeshi Yokoo

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UT Southwestern Department of Radiology receives research support from Philips Healthcare. The University of Wisconsin, Madison, receives research support from GE Healthcare and Bracco Diagnostics.

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Kinner, S., Reeder, S.B. & Yokoo, T. Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers of NAFLD. Dig Dis Sci 61, 1337–1347 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-016-4037-1

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