APRIL 13, 2022

New Point-of-Care Ultrasound Tool May Aid Detection of Liver Stiffness in Obese Patients

Liver elasticity and attenuation are correlated with severity of liver fibrosis and fat, making accurate measurement of both parameters critical for optimal care. But some gastroenterologists say routinely used ultrasound tools for transient elastography may be measuring subcutaneous fat instead of liver tissue in obese patients.

“We have a pandemic of obesity, and with that a rising incidence of NAFLD [nonalcoholic fatty liver disease],” said Michael Curry, MD, the director of