Automated deep learning detection of hepatic steatosis on non-contrast CT scans and discrepancy with scan…

AI / informaticsClinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association· Jul 2026

Automated deep learning detection of hepatic steatosis on non-contrast CT scans and discrepancy with scan reports.

David Yardeni, Jianfei Liu, Pritam Mukherjee … Yaron Rotman

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Abdominal & Body ImagingAI / informaticsClinical practiceQ1IF 7.0

Only a minority of incidental hepatic steatosis cases are reported on non-contrast CT.

Automated deep learning detection of hepatic steatosis on non-contrast CT scans and discrepancy with scan reports.

David Yardeni … Yaron Rotman

Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology · Jul 2026

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major cause of liver disease that is growing in prevalence.

Purpose

We hypothesized that incidental finding of steatosis on non-contrast CT is often not reported if not specifically sought in the imaging request.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional single-center analysis of abdominal non-contrast CT scans performed between 2012-20 for any indication in adult subjects.

n = 2,710 adult

32.7%

Results

32.7%

Radiologists reported hepatic steatosis in only 32.7% of scans where AI detected it.

n = 2,710 adult

More results

The mean liver attenuation derived from the deep-learning algorithm was 50.4 ± 11.8 HU.

Image-based steatosis was found in 480 (13.1%) scans, with a mean liver attenuation of 29.8 ± 14 HU.

More results

Predictors of unreported steatosis included higher average liver attenuation (even if <40 HU), high variability of fat distribution in the liver and low BMI.

“

Conclusion

We found that incidental hepatic steatosis in non-contrast CT is reported in a minority of scans. Incorporating artificial intelligence-based hepatic attenuation measurement in CT scan reading may increase reporting rates.

Automated deep learning detection of hepatic steatosis on non-contrast CT scans and discrepancy with scan reports.

Automated deep learning detection of hepatic steatosis on non-contrast CT scans and discrepancy with scan reports.

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