Ultrasound Elastography of the Liver and Fat Quantification in Pediatric Patients: The Role of Advanced Ultrasound Imaging.

Liver health is an important driver of pediatric abdominal ultrasound imaging. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is the most common pediatric chronic liver disease (CLD) in the United States. However, it is important that the radiologist be cognizant of additional causes of pediatric CLD as well. Non-invasive, cost-effective imaging without sedation or radiation is especially important in the pediatric population. Recent advances in quantitative ultrasound imaging provide valuable information for longitudinal tracking of chronic hepatic disease. In this article, up-to-date clinical applications of ultrasound elastography of the liver and fat quantification are reviewed.