Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often is found "incidentally" as part of testing for an unrelated problem. To confirm the diagnosis of the disease, the following tests may be conducted:

• Blood Tests -- Blood tests that measure global liver function and indicate inflammatory activity will be performed, along with additional blood tests to exclude viral hepatitis.

• Liver Ultrasound -- This is a simple imaging procedure that looks for irregularities in the shape and consistency of the liver and for problems of the biliary tract, such as gallstones.

• Computerized Tomography (CT) -- Computed tomography (CT) is a method of body imaging in which a thin X-ray beam rotates around the patient, to provide a detailed view of the liver. Small detectors measure the amount of X-rays that make it through the patient or particular area of interest.

• Liver Biopsy -- In some cases, a liver biopsy may be needed to make a definite diagnosis of NAFLD. The test also helps is defining the stage of disease and severity of liver inflammation. During the biopsy, which is an outpatient procedure and performed under local anesthesia, a needle is inserted into the liver to obtain a small sample.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007