Imaging biomarkers of NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis

Commentary

Globally, liver biopsy remains the reference standard for staging NAFLD severity. To diagnose NAFLD and quantify liver fat, MRI proton density fat fraction may be more informative than liver biopsy.

In this review, V. Ajmera and R. Loomba (University of California, USA) critically examine the use of non-invasive imaging biomarkers to diagnose NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis stage. For these authors, combining magnetic resonance elastography and FIB-4 ≥1.6 predicts high-risk NAFLD and elevated liver stiffness measurements predict future hepatic decompensation.