Fatty liver is one of the most common findings reported by a Radiologist on Ultra Sonography.

Hepatobilliary series:

Post no. 2:

FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Fatty liver is one of the most common findings reported by a Radiologist on UltraSonography.

Fatty liver is excessive/abnormal accumulation of fat within the liver.

Fatty liver disease is of two types:

1. Alcoholic

2. Non-Alcoholic

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is seen in heavy drinkers.

Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is accumulation of fat in the liver in a non-alcoholic person.

In this post we will mainly discuss about Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which is very much prevalent in our Barak valley area.

Cause of NAFLD is unknown but few risk factors are

1. Obesity, high level of blood cholesterols and excessive fatty food intake

2. Diabetes mellitus type II

3. Smoking

Symptoms:

1. Generally asymptomatic or it can disturb the liver function leading to nausea, loss of appetite.

2. Other symptoms are due to complications like pain in right upper abdomen, distension of abdomen, jaundice.

Complications:

1. Steatohepatitis: Means inflammation and enlargement of liver due to excessive fat.

2. Cirrhosis or fibrosis: Scarring of liver in long standing fatty liver disease which eventually lead to liver failure. It may cause jaundice, distension of abdomen, blood vomiting, weight loss etc.

DIAGNOSIS:

Ultrasonography of abdomen is the first and foremost investigation to be done.

Grades: On ultrasonography, Fatty liver disease is classified into three grades:

1. Grade I or Mild

2. Grade II or Moderate

3. Grade III or Severe

Second important investigation is FIBROSCAN, a special type ultrasonography of liver, to see any damage or scar formation in the liver.

Management:

1. Life style modifications

2. Medications

Important points to be remembered:

What to do?

1. Regular exercise

2. Good healthy diets (green vegetables, fruits etc)

3. Maintaining healthy BMI

4. Proper sleep

5. Regular health check up and monitoring liver functions at regular interval

6. Have patience as the treatment takes long period of time

What not to do?

1. Avoid junk foods and fatty meal

2. Avoid Red meat

3. Stop smoking and alcohol

4. Never stop medications without consulting the physician

Medications:

1. Cholesterol/fat lowering agents

2. Vitamin -E supplements

Images source: Internet