Obesity, metabolic disease and the pancreas-Quantitative imaging of pancreatic fat

The association between pancreatic fat, obesity and metabolic disease is well-documented, and although a potentially exciting target for novel therapies, remains poorly understood. Non-invasive quantitative imaging-derived biomarkers can provide insights into pathophysiology and potentially provide robust trial endpoints for development of new treatments. In this review, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease and associations with metabolic factors, obesity and diabetes. We then explore approaches to pancreatic fat quantification using ultrasound, CT and MRI, reviewing the strengths, limitations and current published evidence in the assessment of pancreatic fat. Finally, we explore the broader challenges of pancreatic fat quantification as we move toward translating these methods into the clinical setting.