Non-invasive imaging biomarkers to assess nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A review

Abstract

This review summarizes the current state of non-invasive diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This begins with a brief discussion of blood-based analysis (serum biomarkers) then progresses through various imaging modalities (imaging biomarkers) including magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound-based imaging methods. The review concludes with comment on the advantages, disadvantages, and prospects of commercially available modalities and the impact they may have on diagnosis and management of patients with NAFLD.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Hepatic steatosis; MRI; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Ultrasound.