Using ultrasound to detect early signs of fatty liver disease
Official title: Multiparametric ultrasound imaging for early detection of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Funded at Texas Engineering Experiment Station · NIH-10933143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound method to help find nonalcoholic fatty liver disease early, making it easier and cheaper for patients to get checked for liver health before serious problems develop.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Engineering Experiment Station NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,482 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK126833-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including those with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced liver disease or those who do not have risk factors for NAFLD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new ultrasound imaging technique to detect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) at an early stage. By combining various ultrasound measurements, the study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of liver health, including the presence of fat accumulation, inflammation, and other early indicators of liver damage. This noninvasive approach could help in accurately diagnosing and monitoring the progression of NAFLD, which often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Patients will benefit from a more accessible and cost-effective method for liver disease detection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of fatty liver disease, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using ultrasound techniques for liver disease detection, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Engineering Experiment Station
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoyt, Kenneth — Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Study coordinator: Hoyt, Kenneth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ultrasound tests to find and track fatty liver in children
This project develops easy-to-use ultrasound methods to find and monitor liver fat in children who are overweight or obese.
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Using ultrasound to diagnose fatty liver disease in children.
This study is working to help kids with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by creating better ultrasound tools to spot liver fat early, so they can get the care they need sooner.
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Targeting fatty liver disease in women around pregnancy to improve health
This grant explores how to identify and help pregnant and postpartum women who are at risk for fatty liver disease to prevent liver problems later.
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Clinically meaningful research on fatty liver disease in adults and children
A nationwide effort studying MASLD, the major form of fatty liver disease, to find better ways to identify who is at risk and how to treat it, including kids and adults.
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NAFLD in PCOS: Do androgens drive liver injury and fatty liver progression?
Young women with PCOS may face liver disease progression due to high androgen levels, and this research looks at targeted ways to slow or prevent that progression.
-
How genes and heavy metals influence fatty liver disease
This project looks at how a person’s genes and the amounts of metals in their liver together relate to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.