Enhanced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Detection: CT Scan Image Analysis and Noise Reduction with Morphological Dilation

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disease characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver cells, not caused by alcohol consumption. It is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and can lead to more severe con- ditions, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. NAFLD is often associated with other metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, and is closely related to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity [1]. The diagnosis and management of NAFLD are complex and involve a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and in severe cases, liver transplantation. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD highlights the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. It is a growing health concern in India, given the rise in the incidence of obe- sity and diabetes. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology in 2020, the prevalence of NAFLD in India is estimated to be between 9% and 32%. In accordance with the research population and diagnostic criteria employed, a different study that was published in the Indian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2019 found that the prevalence of NAFLD in India ranges from 9.6–32.3% [2]. The same study also found that the prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of NAFLD, ranged from 1.5–8.4%. These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to tackle the growing burden of NAFLD in India.