Fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver conditions today, often progressing silently for many years.

Doctor Nguyen Huy Thanh, a Master of Science and a physician in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary, and Pancreatic Diseases at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, states that most cases can be detected through blood tests and abdominal ultrasound. However, these are only initial steps in the diagnostic process. In some instances, patients require an assessment of the extent of liver damage and the risk of fatty liver disease progressing to cirrhosis or liver failure. At this stage, doctors may combine various imaging techniques for a comprehensive evaluation.

Blood tests are an initial step during routine health check-ups or when fatty liver disease is suspected. Doctors assess liver function, identify related metabolic disorders, and estimate the risk of progressive liver damage based on liver enzyme levels such as AST, ALT, GGT, along with bilirubin, platelet count, blood sugar, and blood fat.

According to Doctor Thanh, normal liver enzyme levels do not always mean a completely healthy liver. Many individuals with fatty liver disease, even those with liver fibrosis, can still have liver enzyme levels within the normal range. Therefore, blood tests are often combined with ultrasound and other methods to ensure accurate results.

Abdominal ultrasound is the most common method for detecting fatty liver disease. Based on ultrasound images, doctors identify fat accumulation in the liver by observing changes in the echogenicity of the liver parenchyma. Abdominal ultrasound is quick, non-invasive, painless, and can also detect other abnormalities in the liver, gallbladder, and abdominal organs.

However, ultrasound may miss mild cases of fatty liver disease, especially in obese individuals. This method also cannot accurately quantify the amount of fat in the liver or sufficiently assess the degree of fibrosis or cirrhosis. Consequently, ultrasound is typically used as an initial screening step.

FibroScan, or liver elasticity measurement, helps assess fatty liver disease and the risk of liver fibrosis. This method works by emitting gentle mechanical vibrations through the abdominal wall, thereby measuring the stiffness of the liver tissue.

A doctor measures liver elasticity to assess fatty liver disease and the risk of liver fibrosis. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A doctor measures liver elasticity to assess fatty liver disease and the risk of liver fibrosis. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

FibroScan results provide two important parameters. The CAP score estimates the degree of fat accumulation in the liver, while the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) reflects the extent of fibrosis in the organ. This information helps doctors monitor, treat, and predict the risk of progression to cirrhosis in the future.

According to Doctor Thanh, FibroScan does not entirely replace other tests and diagnostic methods. Its results must be combined with clinical examination, blood tests, and the patient's risk factors.

Depending on examination results and associated risk factors, patients are prescribed one or more appropriate methods to assess fatty liver disease. Early detection helps control the condition effectively, identifying cases at risk of progressive liver fibrosis for timely monitoring and treatment.

Ly Nguyen