Liver Conditions
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver means an excess deposition of fat in the liver cells. By itself it often causes little or no damage, but it can be a sign of a more harmful condition, which is why it is worth investigating properly. This page explains what fatty liver is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, what can follow from it and how it is treated.
What is fatty liver?
Excess deposition of fat in the liver cells is known as fatty liver. Although it causes no or little damage by itself, it can be a sign of a more harmful condition.
Fatty liver may be associated with, or lead to, inflammation of the liver, known as steatohepatitis, which can cause scarring and hardening of the liver. Extensive scarring is called cirrhosis, and is considered a very serious condition.
Seeing a fatty liver doctor in Ahmedabad
GastroPlus Digestive Disease Centre is a gastroenterology hospital group in Ahmedabad, with hospitals at Vastrapur, Nikol, Bapunagar and Bopal.
Fatty liver usually causes no symptoms, so it is often found during a routine physical examination or while another illness is being evaluated. If you have been told you have fatty liver, or it has appeared on a scan, a gastroenterologist can confirm the finding, judge whether there is any inflammation of the liver, and advise on the underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Frequently asked
What causes fatty liver?
The liver plays a major role in fat breakdown. When there are malfunctions in this process, or when conditions such as diabetes mellitus, high blood triglycerides, central obesity or heavy alcohol use are present, fat can accumulate in the liver. The accumulation can also be caused by tuberculosis and malnutrition, excess vitamin A, or the use of certain drugs such as valproic acid or corticosteroids. Pregnancy can also cause a fatty build-up.
How do I know if I have fatty liver?
Usually there are no symptoms of fatty liver. In fact, fatty liver is frequently uncovered during a routine physical examination, or while your physician is evaluating you for another illness.
How is fatty liver diagnosed?
It is usually diagnosed clinically, or by ultrasound, fibroscan or a CT or MR scan. To be certain of a diagnosis of fatty liver, the physician may recommend a liver biopsy, during which a small piece of liver tissue is removed with a needle and examined under a microscope. The biopsy may be needed when steatohepatitis is suspected, to confirm the diagnosis, to see the severity of inflammation and to rule out other possibilities.
What are the complications from fatty liver?
Steatohepatitis, the inflammation of the liver due to fat accumulation, is one possible complication and signals serious liver damage. It occurs frequently in people who are significantly overweight or who have experienced rapid weight loss.
What is the treatment for fatty liver and steatohepatitis?
The mainstay is treatment of the underlying disorder, such as control of high blood triglycerides, controlling diabetes or eliminating the use of alcohol. In some cases, surgical reversal of an intestinal bypass done for obesity is required. If a patient is overweight, weight loss and weight control are key to successful treatment. Certain drugs may reduce liver damage in cases of steatohepatitis. In some chronic cases involving severe liver damage (cirrhosis), a liver transplant may be considered.
Where to go next
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