Hepatic steatosis is the clinical term for fatty liver, a condition in which triglycerides accumulate within the hepatocytes, or liver cells. On ultrasound, steatosis is graded based on the degree of increased liver echogenicity compared to the right kidney cortex and the extent to which deeper liver structures and the diaphragm are obscured. Mild steatosis shows slightly increased echogenicity with normal visualization of deeper structures. Moderate steatosis shows increased echogenicity with some loss of vessel wall definition. Severe steatosis shows markedly increased echogenicity with poor visualization of the posterior liver and diaphragm. Hepatic steatosis is now the most common chronic liver condition worldwide.
Sonography Term