Fatty Infiltration Of The Liver Vs. Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty infiltration of the liver is a pathological term used to describe the accumulation of fat in liver cells, while fatty liver disease is the clinical diagnosis given by physicians based on symptoms, imaging, and laboratory findings. When fat accumulates in 5% or more of the liver cells, it is classified as fatty liver disease. This condition is further categorized into mild, moderate, and severe stages depending on the extent of fat accumulation.

Mild fatty liver refers to the presence of fat in 5% to 33% of liver cells, while moderate fatty liver occurs when 33% to 65% of liver cells are affected. If more than 65% of liver cells contain fat, it is classified as severe fatty liver disease. These classifications help doctors assess the progression of the condition and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

In clinical practice, imaging techniques such as CT scans are commonly used to evaluate the severity of fatty liver disease. The diagnosis is often based on the comparison of liver and spleen CT values. A liver-to-spleen CT ratio ≤1 HU is indicative of fatty liver disease. Specifically, a ratio between 0.7 and 1.0 HU suggests mild fatty liver, a ratio between 0.5 and 0.7 HU indicates moderate fatty liver, and a ratio of 0.5 HU or lower is considered severe fatty liver.

Imaging studies provide a non-invasive way to monitor liver health and are closely aligned with pathological findings. These tools are essential for early detection and ongoing management of fatty liver disease, helping patients make lifestyle changes and medical decisions that can improve liver function and prevent further damage.