Measuring fat in the liver using a new ultrasound technique

Hepatic Steatosis Quantification with Ultrasound

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11058449

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use ultrasound device that helps doctors measure liver fat more accurately, making it simpler for people with conditions like Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, diabetes, and heart issues to get the care they need.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11058449 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new ultrasound technology called Spectrum Normalization Attenuation Imaging (SNAI) to accurately measure liver fat, which is crucial for managing conditions like Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to create a low-cost, portable ultrasound device that can be used in doctors' offices for easy screening and follow-up. By optimizing this technology, the researchers hope to provide a more accessible and accurate method for liver fat quantification compared to existing techniques. The project includes both technical development and patient studies to ensure the effectiveness of the new ultrasound method.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or those at risk for liver-related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without liver disease or those who do not have risk factors for liver conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and accessible liver fat assessments, improving management of liver-related diseases for millions of patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar ultrasound techniques, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.