Evaluating the Relationship Between HARI and the Severity of Hepatic Steatosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Case-Control Study

Dr. Gandra Sumanth Kumar, Dr. Jeevika Ujjappa, Dr. Sanjay Regulapati, Dr. Srividyalakshmi

Abstract: Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern, ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Early detection of disease severity is crucial for patient management. Hepatic artery resistive index (HARI), measured via Doppler ultrasound, may reflect underlying changes in hepatic hemodynamics associated with fat infiltration. Prior evidence suggests an inverse relationship between HARI and liver fat accumulation, prompting further investigation into its potential as a non-invasive biomarker. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between HARI values and the severity of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients, and to determine whether HARI can be used as a diagnostic parameter for assessing steatosis severity in clinical settings. Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 50 adult participants (25 NAFLD patients and 25 controls) at J.J.M Medical College, Davangere. NAFLD was diagnosed using conventional B-mode ultrasound, and hepatic steatosis was graded by severity. HARI was measured using Doppler ultrasound of the hepatic artery. Participants with alcohol use disorder, viral hepatitis, or autoimmune liver disease were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test to compare Doppler parameters between cases and controls. Results: HARI was significantly lower in NAFLD patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001), particularly in those with moderate to severe steatosis. No significant difference was observed in HARI between patients with mild steatosis and controls. Additionally, there was no significant difference in hepatic artery PSV and EDV values across groups. These findings indicate a strong inverse correlation between HARI and steatosis severity.

Keywords: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Hepatic Artery Resistive Index (HARI), Hepatic Steatosis

How to Cite?: Dr. Gandra Sumanth Kumar, Dr. Jeevika Ujjappa, Dr. Sanjay Regulapati, Dr. Srividyalakshmi, "Evaluating the Relationship Between HARI and the Severity of Hepatic Steatosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Case-Control Study", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 375-377, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25723203245, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25723203245