New ultrasound test could spot fatty liver in kids without needles or scary scans

NCT ID NCT06706856

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether advanced ultrasound techniques can accurately detect fatty liver disease (MASLD) in children aged 9 to 18. Researchers will compare ultrasound results to MRI scans and blood tests in 120 children with risk factors for the condition. If the ultrasound method works well, it could offer a cheaper, portable, and needle-free way to diagnose liver disease in kids.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a simple, non-invasive ultrasound method to diagnose fatty liver disease in children without the need for MRI or biopsy.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage study with only 120 children, focused on developing and testing the technique. It may not prove accurate enough for widespread use, and results may not apply to all children.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MASLD are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

fatty liver disease metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California San Diego

    RECRUITING

    La Jolla, California, 92037, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••