Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) and cirrhosis are commonly evaluated with abdominal ultrasound. Steatosis appears as increased hepatic echogenicity with posterior attenuation. Cirrhosis shows a heterogeneous, nodular liver contour with signs of portal hypertension including splenomegaly and ascites.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance
Patients with cirrhosis undergo semiannual liver ultrasound for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance. Ultrasound identifies focal hepatic lesions for further characterization with CT or MRI using LI-RADS criteria.