Advances in Noninvasive Imaging Techniques for the Diagnosis of Liver Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: The global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, currently affecting approximately 25% of the population. Accurate assessment of liver fibrosis is critical, as it significantly impacts prognosis and management strategies. While liver biopsy remains the gold standard for fibrosis evaluation, its invasive nature and associated risks have led to the development of various noninvasive imaging techniques.

Methods: This review systematically examines recent advancements in noninvasive imaging modalities for liver disease assessment, focusing on techniques such as vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and shear wave elastography (SWE). The analysis includes comparative studies on diagnostic performance, accuracy, and clinical applicability of these methods in diagnosing liver fibrosis.

Results: Findings indicate that VCTE, pSWE, and MRE exhibit high diagnostic accuracy for detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis, with area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) values ranging from 0.80 to 0.96. MRE, in particular, demonstrates superior performance in patients with obesity and advanced liver disease. Emerging techniques utilizing artificial intelligence are anticipated to further enhance diagnostic precision.

Conclusion: Noninvasive imaging biomarkers, including VCTE, SWE, and MRE, represent a promising approach to liver fibrosis assessment, potentially reducing the need for invasive biopsies. These techniques offer significant advantages in terms of patient safety and comfort while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy. Future research should focus on standardizing methodologies and integrating these imaging techniques into routine clinical practice for effective liver disease management.