Evaluation of Fatty Liver by Computed Tomography in Human

The imaging results and medical records of 48 patients with CT appearance suggestive of fatty liver were reviewed, fatty liver often has a distinctive appearance with CT, usually with a nonspherical shape. absence of mass effect, and a density close to water or fat. Significant correlation was found between changes in CT value of the liver and fat accumulation in the liver cells.

The fat infiltrated area of hepatic parenchyma had CT value ranging from -25(HU) to 42(HU) on unenhanced scan. The CT diagnosis of fatty metamorphosis is usually suggested when the CT density of the liver is less than the spleen, because the normal hepatic parenchyma has an attenuation value approximately 9(HU) greater than the spleen.

The sensitivity of CT in demonstrating fat may prove valuable in the detection and monitoring of fatty infiltration on the liver.