Correlation between ultrasound-measured abdominal fat thickness and anthropometric indices in patients diagnosed with fatty liver on ultrasound at Hai Phong Medical University Hospital in 2024 - 2025

Abstract

Objectives: To describe abdominal fat accumulation on ultrasound images in patients with fatty liver attending Hai Phong Medical University Hospital in 2024–2025 and to determine the correlation between ultrasound-measured abdominal fat thickness and anthropometric indices in these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 165 patients diagnosed with fatty liver on ultrasound at Haiphong Medical University Hospital from September 2024 to April 2025. Results: The average visceral fat thickness in males (49.5 ± 18.9mm) was significantly higher than in females (41.7 ± 16.2mm), p<0.05. The average subcutaneous fat thickness in females was significantly higher than in males (20.6 ± 6.1mm vs. 12.8 ± 5.4mm). A moderate positive correlation was found between visceral fat thickness and preperitoneal fat thickness (r = 0.47, p<0.05), as well as with weight (r = 0.46), waist circumference (r = 0.44), BMI (r = 0.41), p<0.05. A weak positive correlation was observed between subcutaneous fat thickness, preperitoneal fat thickness, and height, weight, waist circumference, and BMI (p>0.05). Conclusions: Abdominal fat accumulation in fatty liver patients is positively correlated with anthropometric indices, including weight, waist circumference, and BMI.