Yes, a scan can show fatty liver. A scan may be a CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound. These types of imaging tests can show the size, location, and shape of the liver, as well as any structural changes, such as scarring, fatty liver, or tumors.
When a doctor looks at the images from these scans, they can clearly see the levels of fat in the liver. Fatty liver is when there’s too much fat stored in the liver, and it is often a result of drinking too much alcohol.
Fatty liver can also be caused by obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides.
Because it is important to diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions that may be causing fat to accumulate in the liver, doctors may recommend further testing, such as a liver biopsy, to determine the cause of the fatty liver.
If a person is taking any medications that could be causing the fatty liver, they can be adjusted to help reduce the amount of fat in the liver.
Can you see fatty liver on scan?
Yes, it is possible to see fatty liver on a scan. Fatty liver, which is formally known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when fat builds up in the liver. It can often be seen on a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
On the scan, the liver appears “bright” in comparison to other organs in the abdomen. In some cases, specific imaging techniques may need to be used to further evaluate the fatty liver. Ultrasound is often used as an additional tool to help diagnose fatty liver.
In some cases, a liver biopsy may also be necessary.
Can you tell if you have a fatty liver from an ultrasound?
Yes, you can tell if you have a fatty liver from an ultrasound. During an ultrasound, a technician applies a clear gel-like material to the abdomen and then moves a hand-held device called a transducer over the area.
The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that are reflected off body structures inside your abdomen and captured by the device. The reflected waves are converted into images on a computer. In people with fatty liver, these ultrasound images will often show an enlarged organ with an irregular appearance.
The area is also often somewhat brighter than the normal liver. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, a doctor will need to perform additional tests and review a person’s medical history—but an ultrasound can give some preliminary insight into a person’s liver health.
What scan do you have for fatty liver?
For fatty liver, a doctor may order an abdominal ultrasound to view and measure the size of the liver and check for any fatty deposits within the organ. In some cases, other imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to assess the liver’s health.
A blood test may also be done to measure liver enzymes that indicate liver damage. When detected early, fatty liver can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.