How to Diagnose Fatty Liver
Feb 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Chaohui
Introduction
How to Diagnose Fatty Liver Disease:
First, liver function tests—these are one of the primary diagnostic methods for fatty liver disease. Patients with fatty liver often exhibit abnormal liver function test results. Standard liver function tests typically include five parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin.
Second, lipid profile testing—patients with fatty liver disease frequently present with elevated blood lipid levels.
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) refers to a pathological condition characterized by excessive accumulation of fat within hepatocytes, caused by various factors. It is a common hepatic pathological change rather than an independent disease. So, how is fatty liver diagnosed? Let’s explore this further.
How Is Fatty Liver Diagnosed?
First, liver function tests (LFTs): LFTs are one of the primary methods for diagnosing fatty liver. Patients with fatty liver often exhibit abnormal liver function test results. Standard LFTs typically include five key parameters: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct (conjugated) bilirubin, and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin.
If all five parameters fall outside their normal reference ranges, it indicates that liver damage has already occurred, warranting prompt therapeutic intervention.
Second, lipid profile testing: Patients with fatty liver frequently present with elevated serum lipid levels—commonly manifesting as hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Approximately 50% of individuals with hyperlipidemia demonstrate hepatic fat infiltration. Thus, concurrent elevation of ALT and hyperlipidemia constitutes one of the most valuable diagnostic indicators for fatty liver.
Third, abdominal ultrasound (B-mode ultrasound): Ultrasound is one of the principal imaging modalities for detecting fatty liver. It can reliably identify fatty infiltration only when hepatic fat content exceeds approximately 30%. However, ultrasonographic abnormalities may become apparent even when hepatic fat content reaches as low as 10%.
Fourth, clinical symptom assessment: Diagnosis should also incorporate evaluation of associated symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and right upper quadrant (hepatic) pain.
Dietary Considerations for Patients with Fatty Liver
1. Patients with fatty liver must completely abstain from alcohol—including beer.
2. Avoid spicy and highly stimulating foods, such as hotpot, grilled, roasted, or boiled dishes; large quantities of meat; or excessive consumption of organ meats (e.g., pork liver, pork intestines).
3. Avoid pickled foods (e.g., salted vegetables, preserved vegetables) and smoked products (e.g., smoked sausages, ham).
4. Do not consume leftover food, including refrigerated meals or overnight leftovers.
We hope the above information is helpful to you.
