2D SWE Effectively Assesses Fibrosis Stages

Background: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, affects approximately one-fourth of the world and is the most common cause of hepatic steatosis. Approximately one-fourth of MASLD patients have metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which increases risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and increases morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing MASLD early is challenging as patients are asymptomatic, and etiology is complex (lifestyle, diet, genetics, and comorbid factors). Liver biopsy is the standard but is invasive, costly, and unfavorable for repeated use, prompting interest in noninvasive methods. US is cost-effective and accessible but is operator dependent and limited in quantifying steatosis. CT utility is limited by radiation exposure. MRI, especially proton density fat fraction MRI, provides more precise quantification but repeat use is cost-prohibitive. Quantitativ more...