The key challenge lies in how early and how accurately these changes can be detected. Recently, researchers at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) have successfully visualized the liver’s internal vascular network using ultrasound, opening a new avenue for earlier and more precise assessment of steatotic liver disease.

Understanding disease progression and detection

Steatotic liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. It typically begins with fat accumulation and can progress to inflammation, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma, underscoring the importance of early detection and longitudinal monitoring.