Diagnosing fatty liver typically involves a combination of medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies.
1. Medical History and Physical Exam: The doctor will first review your medical history, focusing on factors like alcohol use, diet, weight, and any existing conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. They will also check for physical signs such as tenderness in the upper abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or swelling. A physical exam can provide clues, but it can’t confirm fatty liver on its own.
2. Blood Tests: Blood tests, particularly liver function tests, are used to check for liver damage. Elevated levels of liver enzymes like ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) can suggest liver inflammation, but they do not definitively diagnose fatty liver. Additional tests might include a complete blood count (CBC) or tests for diabetes to help identify underlying causes.
3. Imaging Tests: An ultrasound is commonly used to detect fat deposits in the liver. Other imaging methods like CT scans or MRIs may offer more detailed views and help assess the extent of fatty infiltration. These tests are non-invasive and are typically the next step after blood tests.