Fatty Liver Detection and Assessment: TeleradiologyHub Guide for Patients

Teleradiologyhub Second Opinion and Interpretation Unit is dedicated to providing timely and expert advice for patients with liver disease who require CT, MRI, or USG scans 24/7. We offer several tests for detecting and assessing fatty liver disease, including both non-invasive and invasive options. However, the best results are not always obtained from a single test. To help patients understand which test is most appropriate for their needs, we have prepared a guide that explains the strengths and limitations of each option.

 Non-invasive Fatty Liver Tests

1. Blood tests
Blood tests can measure levels of liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which can indicate liver damage. Blood tests can also measure other markers of liver function, such as albumin and bilirubin.

2. Imaging tests
Imaging tests can detect fat in the liver and assess the degree of liver damage.
2a. Ultrasound Abdomen
2b. CECT Abdomen
2c. MRI Abdomen

3. Fibroscan
Fibroscan is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to measure liver stiffness, which can indicate the degree of liver damage.

Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP): CAP is a non-invasive test that measures the degree of liver steatosis, or fat accumulation in the liver.

 Invasive Fatty Liver Test

1. Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for analysis under a microscope. This test can provide a definitive diagnosis of fatty liver disease and assess the degree of liver damage. However, it is an invasive test that carries some risks, such as bleeding and infection.

2. Transient elastography
Transient elastography is an invasive test that measures liver stiffness, similar to Fibroscan, but it uses a different method to assess liver damage.

The choice of test depends on various factors, such as the patient's medical history, the severity of fatty liver disease, and the physician's clinical judgment. Non-invasive tests are usually preferred over invasive tests, as they are safer and less uncomfortable for patients. 

 Difference between CT Abdomen, Ultrasound Abdomen, and Fibroscan

CT Abdomen, USG Abdomen, and Fibroscan are all diagnostic imaging tests that can be used to evaluate liver health and detect fatty liver conditions. However, each test has its own strengths and limitations when it comes to assessing fatty liver.

CT Abdomen is a radiology test that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of the liver and surrounding organs. It can identify fatty liver disease by detecting changes in liver density due to the accumulation of fat. CT Abdomen is useful in identifying the extent of fatty liver disease and assessing complications, such as liver inflammation and scarring. However, CT Abdomen exposes patients to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer over time.

USG Abdomen, also known as ultrasound, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the liver and surrounding organs. It is a non-invasive and safe diagnostic test that can detect fatty liver disease by visualizing the liver's size and texture. USG Abdomen is useful for detecting early stages of fatty liver disease and monitoring its progression over time. However, it may be less accurate than other diagnostic tests in detecting mild fatty liver disease and assessing liver inflammation.

Fibroscan is a specialized ultrasound test that uses sound waves to measure liver stiffness, which is a sign of liver fibrosis or scarring. It is a non-invasive and painless test that can detect fatty liver disease and assess its severity by measuring liver stiffness. Fibroscan is useful in determining the extent of liver damage and monitoring the progression of fatty liver disease. However, it may not be suitable for all patients, such as those with obesity or ascites, and it may not detect early stages of fatty liver disease.

In summary, CT Abdomen, USG Abdomen, and Fibroscan are all diagnostic imaging tests that can be used to evaluate liver health and detect fatty liver conditions. The choice of test depends on various factors, such as the patient's medical history, the severity of fatty liver disease, and the physician's clinical judgment.