Role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its complications

Abstract

We review the role of liver ultrasonography (US) and related techniques as non-invasive tools in predicting metabolic derangements, liver histology, portal hypertension and cardiovascular risk as well as allowing early diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In this setting, US detects fatty changes as low as ≥20% and hepatic steatosis identified ultrasonographically, in its turn, closely mirrors coronary and carotid atherosclerosis burden. Semi-quantitative US indices (to exclude nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) and sonoelastography (to quantify fibrosis) help in predicting liver histology and selecting patients to submit to liver biopsy. Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma conducted through biannual US is mandatory and US has a role in guiding locoregional treatment and in evaluating the efficacy of treatment. High-intensity focused ultrasound can be delivered with precision resulting in coagulative necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma without puncturing the liver. Costs and inconveniences have so far hampered its diffusion.

Keywords: NASH; cardiovascular risk; cirrhosis; elastography; fatty liver; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver biopsy; liver fibrosis; metabolic syndrome; portal hypertension; ultrasound.