Imaging-based modalities compared for identifying at-risk MASH

by Farrokh Sohrabi

edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Alexander Pol

Gaby Clark

Scientific Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process

Alexander Pol

Deputy Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process Editors' notes

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

reputable news agency

proofread

The GIST Add to Preferred Sources

FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) demonstrated the highest sensitivity for ruling out at-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Shyna Zhuoying Gunalan, from the National University of Singapore, and colleagues conducted a systematic review to identify studies reporting on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based diagnostic techniques for at-risk MASH. The diagnostic performance of imaging-based technologies for ruling in (TRI) and ruling out (TRO) at-risk MASH was evaluated. Twenty studies, with 9,480 participants, met the inclusion criteria.

The researchers found that FAST demonstrated the highest TRO sensitivity, with moderate specificity (0.871 and 0.567, respectively); TRI specificity and sensitivity were 0.900 and 0.441, respectively. High TRO sensitivity was achieved with magnetic resonance elastography plus fibrosis-4, while specificity was lower (0.812 and 0.606, respectively); specificity and sensitivity for TRI were 0.872 and 0.500, respectively. Intermediate performance was achieved with MRI-aspartate aminotransferase, while variable diagnostic accuracy was seen for iron-corrected T1 mapping thresholds. Compared with other diagnostic methods, superior performance was seen in FAST in a sensitivity analysis of head-to-head studies.

"Given the findings, the FAST score may be the most practical option for wide-scale implementation, offering ease of access and a relatively lower cost compared with other diagnostic methods," the authors write. "However, magnetic resonance-based technologies also provide strong evidence for the identification of at-risk MASH."

Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.

Publication details

Shyna Zhuoying Gunalan et al., Imaging-Based Modalities for Identifying At Risk MASH. A Diagnostic Test Meta-Analysis, American Journal of Gastroenterology (2026). DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000003919

Journal information: American Journal of Gastroenterology

Clinical categories

GastroenterologyDiagnostic radiology Who's behind this story?

Gaby Clark

MA in English, copy editor since 2021 with experience in higher education and health content. Dedicated to trustworthy science news. Full profile →

Alexander Pol

PhD nano-engineering from Delft University. Published researcher and journal reviewer. Brings scientific insight to content standards. Full profile →

© 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Imaging-based modalities compared for identifying at-risk MASH (2026, October 16) retrieved 16 October 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-10-imaging-based-modalities-mash.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.