Imaging of NASH

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most serious form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although imaging studies identify hepatic steatosis when the amount of fat in the liver is significant, differences between NASH and nonprogressive NAFLD were not apparent with any imaging modalities. Ultimately a liver biopsy is needed to diagnose NASH. Because NASH is a progressive fibrotic disease, patients with NASH and cirrhosis may progress to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Regular screening based on tumor markers and imaging modalities is needed to detect HCC, in patients with NASH and cirrhosis.