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Gastrointestinal Complications of Diabetes pp 317–327Cite as

Diagnostic Approach

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Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with its two clinically different entities [non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)] is a condition affecting an increasing number of people worldwide, predominantly diagnosed with non-invasive imaging techniques. Serological testing can be subdivided into three groups based on the stage of NAFLD and includes several tests: SteatoTest, NAFLD fibrosis score and ultrasonographic fatty liver indicator. Cytokeratin-18 is the single serologic test most studied so far regarding the diagnosis of NASH. Non-invasive imaging techniques include ultrasonography as the first frontier in the diagnostic algorithm, transient elastography (FibroScan) and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography as important tools used to determine the extent of the liver stiffness, and computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, liver biopsy still remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification standards of NAFLD, though this procedure should only be used when there is lack of more beneficial alternatives, due to its invasiveness and potential risks. It is important to say that patients have to be evaluated periodically and efficiently assessed in order to determine treatment results and lifestyle changes that have to be made to manage hepatic steatosis and other further complications.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

    Marko Duvnjak & Nina Blažević

  2. University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

    Marko Duvnjak

Authors
  1. Marko Duvnjak
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  2. Nina Blažević
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

    Marko Duvnjak

  2. Merkur University Hospital, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

    Lea Smirčić-Duvnjak

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Duvnjak, M., Blažević, N. (2018). Diagnostic Approach. In: Duvnjak, M., Smirčić-Duvnjak, L. (eds) Gastrointestinal Complications of Diabetes . Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75856-5_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75856-5_22

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-75856-5

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