Ultrasonography findings of liver in textile workers for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Ultrasonography, as a non-invasive method, has the advantage over other imaging methods in the investigation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), related to risk factors. The aim of the study was to present the value of ultrasound imaging of fatty liver during a routine checkup of the selected working population. Fatty liver was related to obesity and hyperlipidaemia, excluding alcohol and diabetes mellitus. 120 textile workers were examined by ultrasound; blood cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in the meantime. Ultrasonography finding in the liver was normal echogenicity or "bright" hyperechogenicity (fatty liver). Five subgroups of examinees were formed using three risk factors for fatty liver: Body Mass Index (BMI), blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Ultrasonographic appearance of the liver was normal in 55% of examinees, while 45% had fatty liver.The highest incidence of fatty liver (70%) was in the first subgroup with the highest risk (elevated BMI, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides). The highest incidence od normal liver (85%) was in the fifth subgroup without risk factors (normal BMI, normal blood cholesterol and triglycerides). Incidence of fatty liver between subgroups was very different with high statistical significance. Increased fat accumulation in the liver may be diagnosed with ultrasonography and related to risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such as obesity and hyperlipidaemia.