Diagnosis of hepatic steatosis by contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic capacity of abdominal computed tomography in the assessment of hepatic steatosis using the portal phase with a simplified calculation method as compared with the non-contrast-enhanced phase. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 150 patients were retrospectively evaluated by means of non-contrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. One hundred patients had hepatic steatosis and 50 were control subjects. For the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in the portal phase, the authors considered a result of < 104 HU calculated by the formula [L -0.3 × (0.75 × P + 0.25 × A)] / 0.7, where L, P and A represent the attenuation of the liver, of the main portal vein and abdominal aorta, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated, using non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography as the reference standard. Results: The simplified calculation method with portal phase for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis showed 100% sensitivity, 36% specificity, negative predictive value of 100% and positive predictive value of 75.8%. The rate of false positive results was 64%. False negative results were not observed. Conclusion: The portal phase presents an excellent sensitivity in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, as compared with the non-contrast-enhanced phase of abdominal computed tomography. However, the method has low specificity. Keywords: Fatty liver; Steatosis; Liver disease; Tomography; Multidetector computed tomography; Contrast media.Objetivo: Comparar a capacidade diagnóstica para esteatose hepática utilizando-se a fase portal com método simplificado de cálculo com a fase sem contraste na tomografia computadorizada de abdome. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo em 150 pacientes submetidos a tomografia computadorizada de abdome sem e com contraste intravenoso, 100 deles com esteatose hepática e 50 controles. Para diagnóstico de esteatose hepática na fase portal considerou-se um resultado < 104 UH aplicando-se a fórmula [L -0,3 × (0,75 × P + 0,25 × A)] / 0,7, onde L, P e A representam a atenuação hepática, da veia porta e da aorta, respectivamente. Foram calculados sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos, utilizando-se a tomografia computadorizada sem contraste intravenoso como padrão de referência. Resultados: O método simplificado de cálculo para o diagnóstico de esteatose hepática na fase portal mostrou sensibilidade de 100%, especificidade de 36%, valor preditivo negativo de 100% e valor preditivo positivo de 75,8%. A taxa de falso-positivos foi 64%. Não foram encontrados falso-negativos. Conclusão: A utilização da fase portal apresenta elevada sensibilidade para o diagnóstico de esteatose hepática, quando comparada à fase sem contraste da tomografia computadorizada de abdome. Por outro lado, o método apresenta baixa especificidade. Unitermos: Fígado gorduroso; Esteatose hepática; Hepatopatias; Tomografia; Tomografia computadorizada multidetectores; Meios de contrast...

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“…Although there are several criteria for the assessment of hepatic steatosis by computed tomography (CT), most consider that an attenuation value of ≤ 40 Hounsfield units (HU), measured in the region of interest (ROI), commonly in the right hepatic lobe in the non-enhanced phase, demonstrates a correlation with a pathological fat content of ≥ 30%, suggesting at least moderate hepatic steatosis [12][13][14]. Another important evaluation criterion is the comparison with the ROI in the splenic parenchyma: when the liver attenuation is at least 10 HU less than that of the spleen, steatosis is considered.…”

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