Controlled attenuation parameter by vibration‐controlled transient elastography for steatosis assessment in members of the public undergoing regular health checkups with reference to magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction

摘要

Aim Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measured by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (FibroScan) allows repeatable and reliable assessment of liver steatosis for screening of patients at risk of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis development among asymptomatic individuals at a community level. However, this has never been compared with another quantitative method, such as magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction, among the Chinese health checkup population. Methods A multicenter prospective study was conducted with Chinese individuals undergoing regular health checkups. Steatosis grading by magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction was used as the reference to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CAP. Results A total of 173 individuals were included with mean age of 45?±?11?years and body mass index of 25.8?±?4.0?kg/m 2 . A linear correlation was found between CAP and log 10 ‐transformed magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction results (Pearson's coefficient 0.772, P ??0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for distinguishing ≥S1 and ≥S2 steatosis were 0.88 (95% confidence interval 0.83–0.93) and 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.83–0.95), respectively. When optimized for ≥90% sensitivity, the CAP cut‐off for staging ≥S1 steatosis was 244?dB/m. CAP could classify patients with ≥S1 steatosis with similar performance as an ultrasound examination. Conclusions As a non‐invasive and quantitative method, CAP is highly adapted for population screening at a community level. With the integration of liver stiffness and CAP results in risk stratification scores for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, vibration‐controlled transient elastography can be useful in regular health checkups.