Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common diffuse liver diseases worldwide. Approximately one-third of NAFLD will develop into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

liver fibrosis

and even cirrhosis

and increasing the risk of liver cancer. Early diagnosis

grading and active intervention of NAFLD are essential to postpone the disease progression. The pathology of liver biopsy is the gold standard for quantifying steatosis of liver. However

it is an invasive operation with potential sampling errors. Ultrasound examination is recommended as the first line imaging diagnostic program for NAFLD by the guidelines

with the advantages of convenient

real time and non-invasive. This article reviewed the recent advances in the application of novel techniques based on ultrasound in the diagnosis of NAFLD.