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What Do Fatty Deposits in the Liver Mean?

Receiving test results indicating fatty deposits in the liver may be disturbing to a patient. Understanding what these results mean is an important first step to dealing with the issue.

  1. Most Common Cause

    • LiverDisease.com reports that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common form of liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has two stages. The only way to tell these two stages apart is by examining a sample of the liver's tissue with a microscope

    Stage one

    • The first is fatty deposits in the liver, which is considered harmless and reversible.

    Stage two

    • The second is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which indicates that the disease has progressed past simple fat deposits and caused scar tissue to form in the liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis has the potential to lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or even cancer.

    Common Causes

    • Gastro.com tells readers that fat accumulation is usually a result of alcohol abuse, obesity or diabetes. Fatty deposits in the liver can also be the result of poor dietary choices.

    Other Causes

    • Fatty deposits in the liver can occur resulting from having tuberculosis. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids may also be the culprit. Gastro.net reports that in rare cases it may be caused by pregnancy.

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