Fatty Liver Disease Diagnostic Criteria

Fatty liver disease refers to a condition where more than 5% of hepatocytes display fat accumulation under microscopic examination. This definition has been expanded to include cases where fat deposition in the liver exceeds 5% of the liver's total weight. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a spectrum of fatty liver conditions, ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and in some patients, it can progress to cirrhosis. It occurs in individuals who consume little or no alcohol and is not caused by viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver diseases, or hereditary liver disorders.

To diagnose non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, three essential criteria must be met. First, there must be evidence of hepatic steatosis, confirmed either through imaging techniques or histological examination. Second, there should be no history of excessive alcohol consumption—defined as more than 140g per week for men and more than 70g per week for women—within the past year. Lastly, other chronic liver diseases or systemic conditions that could lead to hepatic fat accumulation must be ruled out. This ensures that the diagnosis accurately reflects NAFLD rather than a secondary form of liver fat accumulation.

Early identification and proper diagnostic evaluation are crucial for managing the condition and preventing long-term complications such as fibrosis or liver failure. Medical professionals often rely on a combination of blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes liver biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease.