Diagnosis of the Fatty Liver Disease

Liver biopsy: this is the diagnostic test par excellence. This shows the presence of fat (steatosis), the inflammation associated with it and fibrosis (scar tissue). Since it is an invasive test, different non-invasive diagnostic tools have appeared in recent years to detect the presence of fat and fibrosis.

Serological biomarkers: these are compounds present in the blood. They are calculated from analytical parameters and data from the patient's medical history.

Abdominal ultrasound: This shows if the patient has fat in the liver or cirrhosis, but cannot detect intermediate stages of fibrosis.

CT and MRI: Can detect fat (steatosis) and cirrhosis but are not used in daily clinical practice due to their cost, radiation and low availability.

Transition elastography: This technique is capable of detecting and quantifying fibrosis and steatosis quickly and at low cost. It is a non-invasive technique, using ultrasound. It is used for diagnosis and evaluation of the fibrosis stage in patients and for monitoring.