Ultrasound Score of Liver Steatosis Severity in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Atherosclerosis in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a widespread disease closely associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. Noninvasive instrumental markers are of great importance in the diagnosis of NAFLD. The aim of the present investigation was to study the correlation of Hamaguchi score with the prevalence of peripheral arterial atherosclerosis and to evaluate the diagnostic value of Hamaguchi score in relation to the presence of carotid and lower limb arterial stenoses. Materials and Methods. All the participants underwent duplex scanning of the arteries of the carotid basin and the arteries of the lower extremities, and abdominal ultrasound examination. Results. The study involved 175 patients, including 72 men and 103 women. Median age of the patients was 50 years. Combined atherosclerosis of carotid arteries and the arteries of the lower extremities was detected in 76 (43,4 %) patients. Median severity of hepatic steatosis according to Hamaguchi score was 2 points. Significantly higher Hamaguchi score values (p=0,026) were observed in the group of patients with combined atherosclerosis of carotid arteries and lower limb arteries. According to logistic regression analysis, a one unit increase in Hamaguchi score was associated with a 1,192-fold (95 % CI 1,023-1,387) increase in the relative risk of finding combined atherosclerosis of two basins (carotid and lower extremity arteries). According to ROC-analysis, increasing Hamaguchi score>2 points allowed to diagnose combined stenoses of carotid and lower limb arteries with sensitivity of 52,6 % and specificity of 63,6 % (AUC=0,596; p=0,024). Conclusion. In patients with NAFLD the Hamaguchi score>2 made it possible to diagnose combined stenoses of the carotid and lower extremity arteries with a sensitivity of 52,6 % and specificity of 63,6 %.