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Steatohepatosis (fatty liver)

Fatty hepatitis — inflammation on the background of steatosis

Steatohepatosis — fatty degeneration of liver tissue

Steatohepatosis (fatty liver, fatty degeneration of the liver) is the clinical name for a condition in which the liver is "soaked" with fat without marked inflammation. In essence it is a synonym for liver steatosis and an early stage of NAFLD.

The "-osis" suffix emphasizes the non-inflammatory, degenerative nature of the process: the cells are overloaded with fat, but there is not yet the ballooning degeneration and active inflammation seen in steatohepatitis.

Steatohepatosis, steatosis and NAFLD: the difference in terms

The terms are often confused. "Hepatosis" means degeneration of the liver without inflammation, so steatohepatosis is practically equal to "fatty liver" and simple steatosis. NAFLD (MASLD in the new nomenclature) is a broader umbrella term for the whole spectrum of fatty liver disease.

The key difference: in steatohepatosis there is fat but no significant inflammation or cell damage. As soon as inflammation appears, it is already steatohepatitis.

Causes and course

The causes are the same as for metabolic steatosis: excess weight, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, and also alcohol abuse. It is most often asymptomatic; sometimes it causes heaviness in the right upper abdomen.

Liver enzymes may be normal or slightly elevated, so the diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound or elastography.

What to do

The approach is the same as for steatosis: weight loss, a healthy diet, movement, control of blood sugar and lipids, and limiting alcohol. In addition, it is important to assess the risk of fibrosis so as not to miss a transition to a more active form.

Calculate using this marker

Calculators where Steatohepatosis is used directly:

Fatty Liver Index (FLI) Estimates the likelihood of fatty liver without imaging Open Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI) The same steatosis screening, using a different set of labs Open Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) Detects hidden visceral fat — the backdrop for liver disease Open

Frequently asked questions

Are steatohepatosis and liver steatosis the same thing?

Practically yes. Steatohepatosis (fatty liver) is the clinical name for fatty degeneration of the liver without inflammation — that is, essentially a synonym for simple steatosis.

Does steatohepatosis necessarily turn into cirrhosis?

No. In most people it stays stable. The risk appears only when inflammation (steatohepatitis) and fibrosis join in, so it is important to control weight and metabolism.

Related terms

Steatosis Fatty degeneration of the liver NAFLD / MAFLD Non-alcoholic (metabolically associated) fatty liver disease Steatohepatitis Fatty liver with inflammation NASH Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis — the inflammatory form of fatty liver disease Liver fibrosis Scarring of the liver — the replacement of healthy tissue by connective tissue Hepatocyte The main working cell of the liver Insulin resistance Reduced sensitivity of cells to insulin Metabolic syndrome A cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors

Sources

  1. StatPearls (NCBI) — Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
  2. AASLD — New MASLD Nomenclature
  3. MedlinePlus — Fatty Liver Disease
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This content is educational and does not replace consultation with a physician. Reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and method — rely on the ranges stated on your own test report.
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