How to Determine the Stage of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver disease can be classified into four main stages: simple fatty liver, fatty liver inflammation (steatohepatitis), fatty liver fibrosis, and fatty liver cirrhosis. These stages can be identified through various diagnostic and imaging tests.

Simple fatty liver is typically the earliest stage and is diagnosed when imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, detect fat accumulation in the liver but no signs of inflammation or damage are present. In this stage, liver function tests usually remain normal.

As the condition progresses, it may develop into fatty liver inflammation, also known as steatohepatitis. This stage is marked by abnormal liver function tests and more pronounced fat accumulation detected through imaging. It indicates that the liver has started to become inflamed due to fat buildup.

If left untreated, fatty liver can advance to fatty liver fibrosis. At this stage, liver function remains abnormal, and tests measuring liver stiffness—such as FibroScan—show increased hardness of the liver tissue. This increased stiffness is a sign that fibrosis, or scarring, has begun to develop.

The most severe stage is fatty liver cirrhosis, where the liver becomes significantly scarred and its structure is permanently altered. Liver stiffness measurements exceed the thresholds for cirrhosis, and imaging along with blood tests confirm the severity of the condition.

In summary, combining liver function tests, imaging techniques, and liver elasticity measurements provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating the stage of fatty liver disease. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent progression to more severe liver damage.