Fatty liver: assessment and follow-up in Santiago

Fatty liver is a build-up of fat in the liver, linked to excess weight, diabetes and high cholesterol or triglycerides. It often causes no symptoms, so it is found through lab work and tests such as FibroScan. At Dr. Rebeca De León's practice it is assessed and followed case by case.

Why does it happen?

It is associated with metabolic factors: excess weight, insulin resistance or diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and habits such as inactivity and diet. Alcohol and some medicines also play a part.

Does it cause symptoms?

Often not. When they do appear they can be tiredness or discomfort in the upper right abdomen. That is why it is often found through lab work with abnormal liver enzymes or through an ultrasound.

How is it assessed?

With a medical history, physical exam, blood tests and imaging. FibroScan measures liver fat and stiffness without a biopsy. With that result the doctor decides whether lifestyle changes and monitoring are enough, or whether more tests are needed.

What about treatment?

It focuses on the underlying factors: weight control, diet, physical activity, and managing diabetes, cholesterol and triglycerides. The doctor sets the plan after assessing you.

When to see a doctor

If you were told you have fat in the liver, if your liver enzymes came back high, if you have metabolic risk factors, or if you have persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.

How to book

To book, message us on WhatsApp at +1 (849) 710-6885 or use the form on this site. We see patients from abroad: write to us before you travel so we can arrange dates and tests.