Comparison between attenuation coefficient computed on the ultrasound image and a biological marker, adiponectin, in the diagnosis of steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

摘要

The study aimed to identify the presence of steatosis and differentiate between insignificant and significant steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thirty three patients with NAFLD proven by liver biopsy and evaluated in order to stratify the degree of steatosis were studied. The computerized processing of the data of the ultrasonic image (attenuation coefficient - LS7 slope), and a biological marker (adiponectin) were evaluated. Predictive value and AUROC curves were used to assess the accuracy of the results. Adiponectin levels was found to differentiate between controls (13435.4 ± 741.5 ng/ml) and NAFLD (4552.9 ± 2473 ng/ml) but also between insignificant (9348.4 ± 736S ng/ml) and significant steatosis (4501 ± 2389.6 ng/ml). The AUROC for adiponectin, was 0.899 and for LS7 slope 0.952 with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 84.8; 93.3; 96.5; 73.7, respectively 84,8; 100; 90.3 and 70.6 for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. The simultaneous utilization of these methods could substantial improve the identification of steatosis in NAFLD and the assessment of its grade.