Fatty Liver

Hi, I am a 34 year old male recently diagnosed with mild difuse fatty infaltration without focal lesions or duct dialation.  In March of 2003, I had acute pancreatitis.  At the time I was a moderate drinker of alcohol.  In May of 2003 I had a CT scan that cleared me from the pancreatitis.  Also at that time, I was told that I had fat deposits on my liver and to cut back on fat foods and start exercising and that would be all I needed to do.  I ignored that information.  In May of 2006 I had upper epigastric pain that was ruled acid reflux by endoscopy procedure.  So I would not except this at first.  I had GI doctor perform a CT scan to put my mind at ease about pancreatitis being the cause.  That is when they found the mild difuse fatty infaltration.  Please note that I have not been drinking any alcohol since 2003.  Could not cutting back on fatty foods and not exercising when I was told to cause this condition to have progressed from just fatty deposits?  I have also been told that this is a reversable condition.  I am not overweight or have diabetes type 2 to my knowledge.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Most cases of fatty liver are caused by alcohol or what is known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.  The latter cause is associated with being overweight.  

Abstaining from alcohol - as you are doing - would be recommended.  

Lifestyle improvement - such as exercise and weight loss - can treat NASH.  There is no specific medical treatment that has been shown to work.

These options and questions can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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