Computed tomography attenuation values in fatty liver.

The accuracy of CT diagnosis of increased fat deposition in the liver was assessed in 11 alcoholic patients with suspected fatty liver. Single-energy CT attenuation values were compared with histological assessment of fatty liver and chemical analysis of liver triglyceride concentrations, obtained from liver biopsy specimens. Measured attenuation values showed an inverse correlation with the degree of fatty change assessed histologically (r =--0.90; p Less Than 0.0001) and with that assessed chemically (r=--0.57; p Less Than 0.05). CT scanning may provide a useful non-invasive method for detecting and following patients with fatty liver, particularly when liver biopsy is contraindicated.