Hepatic Steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is another term for fatty liver. It means the liver stores more fat than expected. It is common and often found incidentally, but doctors still look at bloodwork, metabolic risk factors, and the rest of the liver appearance.

Also seen as: fatty liver, fatty infiltration of the liver.

If you are trying to place this wording inside the bigger picture of your report, start with the radiology findings hub and then compare it with the related symptom and report phrase pages below.

This term becomes more or less important depending on its size, location, severity, associated symptoms, and whether it is new compared with earlier imaging. Radiologists usually expect the finding to be read alongside the rest of the report instead of in isolation.

Fatty liver is a very common imaging finding on abdominal scans.

• Obesity or insulin resistance
• Diabetes or high triglycerides
• Alcohol use
• Medication effects or other liver conditions

• The report also mentions fibrosis or cirrhosis
• Lab tests or symptoms suggest active liver disease
• The pattern looks focal or atypical

• Correlate with liver enzymes and metabolic history
• Consider further liver evaluation if needed
• Focus on the underlying cause rather than the scan wording alone

A radiology finding name can sound more definite than it really is. Many findings describe an imaging pattern, not a final diagnosis, and many turn out to be less urgent once doctors match the wording with your symptoms, exam, and any earlier studies.

• Diffuse hepatic steatosis.

  See phrase explanation

• Mild fatty infiltration of the liver.

  See phrase explanation

These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.

Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.

This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.