Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a significant global health challenge, closely linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Despite its prevalence, early detection remains challenging due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease in its initial stages. Advanced ultrasound techniques, including elastography, offer a promising non-invasive alternative for the screening and surveillance of NAFLD, potentially revolutionizing liver disease management. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, from January 2023 to December 2023. It aimed to evaluate the efficacy of advanced ultrasound techniques among 150 outpatients at risk of NAFLD. Participants underwent B-mode imaging and shear wave elastography (SWE) after fasting for at least 8 hours. Data on demographics, BMI, and liver function tests were collected and ultrasound findings were classified into steatosis and fibrosis stages. Results: Our results demonstrated that 90% of participants had hepatic steatosis, with varying degrees of severity. Half of the participants showed no signs of fibrosis (F0), while 6.7% exhibited cirrhosis (F4). The diagnostic performance of ultrasound, in comparison to liver biopsy, revealed high sensitivity (92.1% for steatosis, 88.9% for fibrosis) and specificity (85.7% for steatosis, 92.3% for fibrosis), showcasing its potential as a reliable screening tool for NAFLD. Conclusions: Advanced ultrasound techniques, particularly SWE, hold significant promise for non-invasive NAFLD screening and surveillance. Their high sensitivity and specificity can aid in early detection and management of NAFLD, contributing to better patient outcomes. Future efforts should focus on standardization and overcoming limitations posed by patient factors such as obesity.

Background: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a significant global health challenge, closely linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Despite its prevalence, early detection remains challenging due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease in its initial stages. Advanced ultrasound techniques, including elastography, offer a promising non-invasive alternative for the screening and surveillance of NAFLD, potentially revolutionizing liver disease management. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Rama Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, from January 2023 to December 2023. It aimed to evaluate the efficacy of advanced ultrasound techniques among 150 outpatients at risk of NAFLD. Participants underwent B-mode imaging and shear wave elastography (SWE) after fasting for at least 8 hours. Data on demographics, BMI, and liver function tests were collected and ultrasound findings were classified into steatosis and fibrosis stages. Results: Our results demonstrated that 90% of participants had hepatic steatosis, with varying degrees of severity. Half of the participants showed no signs of fibrosis (F0), while 6.7% exhibited cirrhosis (F4). The diagnostic performance of ultrasound, in comparison to liver biopsy, revealed high sensitivity (92.1% for steatosis, 88.9% for fibrosis) and specificity (85.7% for steatosis, 92.3% for fibrosis), showcasing its potential as a reliable screening tool for NAFLD. Conclusions: Advanced ultrasound techniques, particularly SWE, hold significant promise for non-invasive NAFLD screening and surveillance. Their high sensitivity and specificity can aid in early detection and management of NAFLD, contributing to better patient outcomes. Future efforts should focus on standardization and overcoming limitations posed by patient factors such as obesity.