Development of a Quantifiable Ultrasound Biomarker for Hepatic Steatosis

Inclusion Criteria:

Diseased subject:

* Adult patients (age 18 - 75 years)
* Consent to participate in the study
* Diagnosed or suspected MASLD from the hepatology clinic, OR
* High-risk population meeting the adult cardiometabolic criteria (defined as the presence of at least one of the following: diabetes, obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension)

Healthy volunteer:

* Adult patients (age 18 - 75 years)
* Consent to participate in the study
* No suspicion of MASLD by laboratory/imaging/clinical examinations
* Absence of known pre-existing conditions (metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or nursing.
* Contraindications to MRI including, but not limited to, severe claustrophobia, pacemaker, or existing metallic/mechanical implant(s).
* Acute illness/cognitive impairment resulting in an inability to cooperate with the MRI and ultrasound breath-holding instructions.
* BMI \> 35 kg/m2
* History of excessive alcohol consumption according to the updated MASLD criteria (\>2 drinks/day OR \>210 grams/week for males AND \>1 drink/day OR \>140 grams/week for females) or drug use over the past 2 years.
* Known acute or chronic hepatitis; or other etiology of liver disease.
* Presence of known congenital hepatic anomaly.
* Known cirrhosis
* Known active cancer