Assessment of Fatty Liver With Thermo-acoustic Device

Feasibility Study for Quantifying Fatty Liver Using Thermo-acoustic Imaging

The study will evaluate the accuracy of hepatic steatosis estimation by thermo-acoustic ultrasound with estimation by MRI-PDFF (Proton Density Fat Fraction) . It will also evaluate the sensitivity of this device in the diagnosis of fatty liver.

Patients with either known or presumed diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who meets eligibility criteria will be included in the study. They will have imaging done to estimate hepatic steatosis by two modalities (MRI - PDFF and thermo-acoustic ultrasound). The estimation obtained by thermo-acoustic ultrasound will be compared with MRI results for accuracy of estimation by the thermo-acoustic ultrasound device. The study will also evaluate the sensitivity of the thermo-acoustic ultrasound device if it can diagnose the presence of hepatic steatosis when hepatic fat content is 15% or less by volume.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients diagnosed or suspected to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Patients 18-70 years of age
• be able to understand and sign on written informed consent
• able to undergo ultrasound and MRI examinations

Exclusion Criteria:

• any metal or electronic implants including but not limited to pacemakers, clips, hips
• known history of pregnancy or becoming pregnant during study period
• unable to understand and sign on written informed consent
• intolerant to ultrasound and/or MRI examinations