Sonographic Association between Hepatic Steatosis Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Swabi Women

Abstract

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, with significant implications for their fertility and metabolic health. Non-Alcoholic Hepatic Steatosis Disease (NAHSD), or fatty liver disease, has been increasingly recognized as a comorbidity in women with PCOS, suggesting a possible interrelation between these conditions that warrants further investigation. Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between NAHSD and PCOS among women in the Swabi district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with an emphasis on understanding the prevalence and sonographic characteristics of these conditions in the affected population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, Mahaban Medical and Research Hospital, Swabi, KP, Pakistan. The study included 86 women with a history of irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea. Sonographic examinations were performed using a Toshiba prime ultrasound machine with convex (3.0—5.0 MHz) and linear (7.0—14.0 MHz) transducers. Clinical and sonographic data pertaining to PCOS and NAHSD were collected, including ovarian volume and liver echogenicity grading. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25. Results: The mean age of participants was 27.5 ± 4.8 years. The mean ovarian volumes were 11.52 ml (right ovary) and 10.80 ml (left ovary). The prevalence of NAHSD in our study cohort was 46.5%. Furthermore, hirsutism was observed in 22.1% of the patients. A significant association between the presence of NAHSD and PCOS was identified, with higher rates of hepatic steatosis observed among the PCOS patients compared to those without PCOS. Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore a significant association between NAHSD and PCOS among women in the Swabi district, suggesting that women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing fatty liver disease. This association highlights the need for comprehensive screening and management strategies to address these comorbid conditions effectively.