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Liver fat fraction (%PDFF)

Liver

Proton Density Fat Fraction measurement of the liver, quantifying hepatic fat content.

Also known as: proton density fat fraction, PDFF, liver fat percentage, hepatic steatosis MRI

Elevated values indicate hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), which may progress to more severe liver disease.

Reference range

Reference range
LevelRange
Intermediateabove 6 %
Normalbelow 6 %

Source: Ahead Health benchmark

* Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.

Why this matters

Elevated liver fat indicates fatty liver disease. This condition often develops silently, increasing risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and progressive liver damage. Advanced stages can lead to fibrosis or cirrhosis with symptoms such as jaundice, swelling, and confusion. Because liver fat is strongly influenced by body weight, diet, physical activity, and alcohol intake, early detection is valuable since lifestyle changes can often reverse fatty liver before permanent damage occurs.

How this connects to other biomarkers

  • Liver fat fraction (PDFF) > 5% defines fatty liver (steatosis); > 15% is moderate, > 25% severe.
  • Elevated PDFF with elevated Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), central obesity, and high HOMA-Index confirms metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD, formerly called NAFLD).
  • Progressing liver scarring (fibrosis) is signaled by rising Fibrose-Score (FIB-4) and falling Albumin — PDFF measures fat, not scarring.

Frequently asked questions

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