Fatty Liver Disease And Its Impact On Liver Elastography Results

Fatty liver disease can significantly affect the results of liver elastography, potentially leading to elevated readings. For accurate assessments, it is recommended to undergo liver elastography when the body is in a healthy and stable condition, to avoid misinterpretation of the results.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can progress to more severe conditions such as liver inflammation. If left unmanaged, it can cause liver cell damage, necrosis, and abnormal proliferation of fibrous connective tissue within the liver. These changes disrupt the normal structure of liver lobules and may lead to irreversible histological damage, ultimately resulting in fatty liver-related liver fibrosis.

Liver elastography is a non-invasive ultrasound technique used primarily to assess the degree of liver fibrosis in diffuse liver diseases. It is also valuable for the non-invasive evaluation of portal hypertension. Therefore, if fatty liver has progressed to liver fibrosis, it can significantly influence the outcomes of elastography, often resulting in higher than normal measurements.

Timely treatment is crucial for patients with fatty liver disease. Medical therapy may include medications such as ornithine aspartate, diammonium glycyrrhizinate, and polyene phosphatidylcholine, which are commonly used to support liver function and repair liver damage. In addition, weight management is essential, and under medical supervision, patients may consider using weight-loss medications like orlistat.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is also vital. Patients should engage in regular physical activity, avoid high-fat and high-calorie diets, and instead opt for a balanced, low-sugar, low-fat, and low-calorie eating plan to support liver health and overall well-being.