Ultrasound Techniques Promise Safer, Non-Invasive Liver Disease Assessment

Revolutionizing Liver Disease Diagnosis: Non-Invasive Ultrasound Techniques Show Promise A recent investigation has evaluated innovative ultrasound (US) methods as safer, non-invasive alternatives for assessing liver disease severity in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the world's most prevalent liver disorder. Traditionally, liver biopsy has been the standard for diagnosis, but it is invasive and costly. This new research indicates that combining various US parameters could provide a practical and safer diagnostic approach. The study compared multiple US techniques—such as controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), sound speed estimation (SSp.PLUS), and viscosity measurement (Vi.PLUS)—against biopsy findings. Results revealed that CAP was most effective in detecting significant fat accumulation in the liver, while SSp.PLUS also yielded reliable diagnostic results. Additionally, Vi.PLUS, a novel measurement of tissue viscosity, correlated with specific inflammatory changes associated with MASH, including hepatocyte ballooning and lobular inflammation. Researchers developed a combined scoring system, named the VAS-MASH-US score, which i...