Alterations in the Liver Fat Fraction Features Examined by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Following Bariatric Surgery: a Self-Controlled Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Alterations in the liver fat fraction (LFF) assessed by MRI following bariatric surgery is a promising feature; however, few studies have been fully elucidated. PURPOSE: To determine the alterations in the LFF features following surgery using MRI, to determine the correlation with the clinical non-alcoholic steatohepatitis score (C-NASH score), and to identify the predictive factors for postoperative score changes. METHODS: Patients (n = 69) underwent MRI to measure the LFF at baseline and 3 months postoperatively. Paired sample t tests were applied to investigate the alterations in the major parameters. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate the factors predicting C-NASH score changes after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline levels, the LFF significantly decreased 3 months postoperatively (P /= 3 (P /= 3) at baseline and lower preoperative body weight, we noted significantly greater effects of surgery on score change value.