Images were obtained using a Philips 256-slice iCT scanner operated by an experienced CT examination technician. All subjects were scanned from the top of the diaphragm to the lower costal margin in the supine position after fasting overnight. The scan began when the subjects hold their breath at the end of the exhalation. The scan parameters were as follows: tube voltage, 120 kV; tube current, 250 mA; slice thickness and interval, 5 mm; field of view (FOV), 40 cm × 40 cm; window level, 40 Hu; window width, 400 Hu.
The measurement of CT value, which was designed referring to the research of Yu et al. [14 (link)], was as follows: three region-of-interest (ROI) in the liver and two ROIs in the spleen were selected at the level of porta hepatis to avoid blood vessels, bile ducts, and calcification. Each ROI was a circle of about 300 mm2. The respective means of the 3 CT values of the liver and 2 CT values of the spleen were calculated as the liver and the spleen CT value. The liver/spleen CT ratio, defined as liver CT value to spleen CT value, was calculated to reflect the degree of steatosis, which determined the severity of MAFLD.
The measurement of CT value, which was designed referring to the research of Yu et al. [14 (link)], was as follows: three region-of-interest (ROI) in the liver and two ROIs in the spleen were selected at the level of porta hepatis to avoid blood vessels, bile ducts, and calcification. Each ROI was a circle of about 300 mm2. The respective means of the 3 CT values of the liver and 2 CT values of the spleen were calculated as the liver and the spleen CT value. The liver/spleen CT ratio, defined as liver CT value to spleen CT value, was calculated to reflect the degree of steatosis, which determined the severity of MAFLD.
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