Application of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computerized tomography in the diagnosis and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

In order to investigate the application of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) and computerized tomography (CT) in the quantitative diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and evaluation of therapeutic effects, 22 patients with NAFLD were selected according to the Chinese Medical Association's (CMA) standard of the NAFLD in comparison with 20 healthy volunteers (as control group). Blood samples for biochemistry were collected. The severity of hepatosteatosis was evaluated by (1)H-MRS scan and CT scan of liver. The intrahepatic content of lipid (IHCL) and CT value ratio of liver to spleen were calculated. The patients in NAFLD group were treated with Ganzhixiao Capsule for 8 weeks. The changes in IHCL and CT value ratio of liver to spleen were observed before and after treatment. In NAFLD group serum ALT, TG, IHCL calculated by (1)HMRS were increased and CT value ratio of liver to spleen decreased significantly as compared with control group. After treatment for 8 weeks serum ALT, TG, IHCL were decreased significantly, while CT value ratio of liver to spleen increased significantly in NAFLD group. It was suggested that IHCL could be measured precisely by (1)HMRS. NAFLD was treated effectively by Ganzhixiao capsule.