Evaluation of fatty liver disease using ultrasound in a semi-urban population in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Authors

  • Anthony E. Gabkwet Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel O. Igoh Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Pam M. Gwom Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Folake Y. Taiwo Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Abdul J. Salaam Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Samuel M. Danjem Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
  • Stephen D. Pam Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20212852

Keywords:

Fatty liver, BMI, Ultrasound scan

Abstract

Background: Fat liver is one of the most common abnormalities of the liver depicted on ultrasound and whose impact has not been fully evaluated in Nigeria. Ultrasound scan is an imaging modality that is cheap and readily available and comes in handy in evaluating this disease. Aim of the current study was to determine the relationship of Fatty liver with age, gender, alcohol consumption and body habitus.

Methods: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 316 subjects diagnosed with fatty liver on ultrasound scan. A structured questionnaire was administered to each subject to ascertain their age, sex, and alcohol intake. The weight and height of all subjects were also measured and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

Results: The study comprises 151 (47.8%) males and 165 (52.2%) females respectively. A good number of the participants 232 (73.4%) were between the age of 30-59 years. The majority of the participants had of 30 kg/m2 and above. Majority of the participants 225 (71.2%) do not consume alcohol. The study showed a positive but weak correlation between increasing BMI and fatty liver span. The study revealed that most participants with liver span <15.9 cm (57.1%) or ≥16 cm (75.5%) have BMI ≥30 kg/m2.

Conclusions: This study showed fatty liver is common in all ages and gender but commoner in the middle age groups with strong relationship between increasing body weight and fatty liver, but a weak relationship with regards to the span of the liver.

Author Biographies

Anthony E. Gabkwet, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Lecturer 1

Emmanuel O. Igoh, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

LECTURER 1

Pam M. Gwom, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Consultant

Folake Y. Taiwo, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Senior Lecturer

Abdul J. Salaam, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Senior Lecturer

Samuel M. Danjem, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Senior Lecturer

Stephen D. Pam, Department of Radiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Senior Lecturer

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Published

2021-07-23

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Original Research Articles