BMC medical imaging
Early regression of hepatic steatosis after bariatric surgery assessed by ultrasound including attenuation imaging
By Hoffmann T, Wulff D, Groß S and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with increased liver-related morbidity. Bariatric surgery provides substantial weight loss and metabolic improvement, yet data on ultrasound (US)-based monitoring remain limited. This study evaluated perioperative changes in hepatic steatosis using semiquantitative B-mode US and Attenuation Imaging (ATI), a quantitative US technique for fat quantification.
Methods
In this prospective single-center study, patients undergoing bariatric surgery between February 2024 and July 2025 were included. B-mode US and ATI were performed preoperatively and at 3 and/or 6 months postoperatively. For overall analysis, the earliest available postoperative examination was defined as the early follow-up. Hepatic steatosis was assessed using B-mode US grading (S0-S3) and ATI grading (aS0-aS3). Body mass index (BMI), liver size, and attenuation coefficient (AC) values were recorded.