ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and evaluate sonographic findings compatible with
changes consistent with hepatic steatosis in patients referred for abdominal
ultrasonography at four reference centers in Aracaju, SE, Brazil.Materials and MethodsProspective, descriptive survey, with analytical and quantitative approach,
comprising abdominal ultrasonography scans performed with a convex, dynamic
3.75 MHz transducer. Liver dimensions and parenchymal echotexture were
evaluated, classifying hepatic steatosis into grades (1, 2 or 3). The
SPSS® 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis,
adopting p < 0.05 as significance level.ResultsA total of 800 individuals (561 women and 239 men) were evaluated. The
prevalence of steatosis was 29.1%, and the male patients were most affected,
presenting with more advanced grades of disease (p =
0.021), as follows: 119 grade 1 (51.0%); 94 grade 2 (40.4%); and 20 grade 3
(8.6%). The median age patients' was 46 years.ConclusionIn the present study sample, the prevalence of hepatic steatosis was high,
particularly in the male patients. Ultrasonography is suggested as a first
choice for the diagnosis of this condition, considering its wide
availability, low cost and absence of side effects or risks to the
patient.