Fatty Infiltration of the Liver

Liver cells store fat, more specifically triglycerides, in their cytoplasm. Triglycerides occupy 5% of the liver weight under normal conditions. The problem arises when their concentration go beyond limit. This condition is known as fatty infiltration of the liver. It is also called fatty metamorphosis or steatosis of the liver. The accumulation of triglycerides in the liver is reversible. The patients often do not show any particular symptoms. It is caused by various reasons.

Causes of Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: The main reasons for fatty infiltration of liver are increase in the amount of fat transferred to liver from other parts of the body. It might be due to the increase in the removal of fat presented to the liver from the intestine or reduction in the rate at which the liver breaks down and removes the fat. Any alteration in any of the steps followed by the liver for lipid metabolism also leads to this liver disorder.

Other factors that may lead to fatty infiltration of liver are alcoholism, long term parenteral nutrition, obesity, starvation, steroids administration or excessive endogenous production of steroids, and diabetes mellitus. Some chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and yellow phosphorus can also result in steatosis of liver. Fatty liver diseases including Cushing's syndrome and hyperlipidemia are highly damaging for the liver. Fatty infiltration of the liver can also occur during pregnancy.

Characteristics of Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: The main characteristic features of fatty infiltration of liver are a light pain in the upper quadrant region of the liver. When diagnosed with image techniques, hepatomegaly or enlargement of the liver is observed. This disease condition is also marked by an elevated level of enzymes such as transaminases and alkaline phosphatases.

Types of Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: Fatty infiltration of the liver is of two types - diffuse and focal. In the diffuse type of fatty infiltration of the liver, there is an excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the entire liver. While in the focal type, only a part of the liver is affected and the infiltration of triglycerides is non-uniform. Focal fatty metamorphosis usually occurs in the liver tissue near to the fissure of the ligamentum teres and is related to the difference in blood flow in the liver.

Image Findings of Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: The findings from the images obtained through ultrasonography, computerized tomography or MRI, suggest that the liver is infiltrated with excessive triglycerides.

• A decrement in average hepatic attenuation value is proportional to the degree of increase in the concentration of triglycerides in the liver.
• The attenuation value of liver is almost equal to that of spleen. Under healthy conditions, spleen has a higher value.
• There is a clear distinction among the intrahepatic blood vessels. This is so because the structures from the surrounding hepatic parenchyma, over-attenuate.
• The intrahepatic blood vessels run through their normal course, even through the affected region without any deformity.

Treatment of Fatty Infiltration of the Liver: The medical treatment of fatty infiltration of liver directly depends upon the cause behind it. For any hepatic disorder, you must consult a hepatologist. However, you can take some precautions to prevent the worsening of this condition. Reducing fat intake, daily physical exercise and avoiding alcohol consumption would prove to be of great help. Obese people should try their best to lose weight and diabetics should bring their blood sugar level under control. Fatty infiltration of the liver is reversible and many a times, does not require any treatment till it does not interfere in the normal liver function.

A healthy lifestyle would keep your liver healthy and disease-free. Moderate exercise, drinking plenty of water and following a balanced diet would reduce the risk of fatty infiltration of liver.