Report phrase | Abdomen | ct / ultrasound / mri
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
Diffuse Hepatic Steatosis. is report wording commonly used when radiologists describe hepatic steatosis in a concise, technical way. The phrase itself is descriptive, not a diagnosis, and still needs the rest of the report for context. This wording often sounds more alarming than it is because it is shorthand from a radiology report, not a full diagnosis. The level of concern usually depends on the rest of the study and what your doctor already knows about your symptoms. The broader Hepatic Steatosis page gives the fuller context behind this phrase.
"Diffuse hepatic steatosis." is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
How doctors usually frame it
The report also mentions fibrosis or cirrhosis
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What this phrase usually means in plain English
Phrase pages are most helpful when you want to decode the exact words copied from a report. They work best when read together with the main finding page and any related symptom context, then compared with nearby phrases such as "Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.."
Example report wording
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
Plain-English explanation
Diffuse Hepatic Steatosis. is report wording commonly used when radiologists describe hepatic steatosis in a concise, technical way. The phrase itself is descriptive, not a diagnosis, and still needs the rest of the report for context.
How common this wording is
Fatty liver is a very common imaging finding on abdominal scans.
When doctors worry more
- The report also mentions fibrosis or cirrhosis
- Lab tests or symptoms suggest active liver disease
- The pattern looks focal or atypical
What doctors may do next
Follow-up depends on the broader finding, whether the wording is new or stable, and how well the report matches symptoms or prior scans. Doctors may simply monitor it, compare older imaging, or connect it to a larger workup when needed.
Main finding guide
This phrase usually maps back to the broader finding guide for Hepatic Steatosis.
Read the Hepatic Steatosis guideRelated symptom guides
Pain Under the Right Rib: Imaging-Related Causes Doctors May Consider
Pain under the right rib can come from the gallbladder, liver, chest wall, lung, or nearby abdominal structures. Imaging is used to clarify cause when symptoms, exam findings, or lab tests raise concern.
Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Radiology Findings That May Be Relevant
Right upper quadrant pain is a common reason for abdominal imaging. Doctors often evaluate the gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and nearby lung base depending on the presentation.
Keep exploring related radiology pages
Clear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
Phrase pages explain radiology wording for education only. They do not diagnose a condition or replace clinician guidance.
Sources
Sources and medical review process
RadDx finding pages are written for patient education using consumer-friendly radiology references, plain-language terminology resources, and cautious summary review of common imaging follow-up frameworks.
- Reviewed by
- RadDx Editorial Team
- Last reviewed
- March 10, 2026
- RadiologyInfo.org
RSNA and ACR
- MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
National Cancer Institute
Sources are used for patient education context and terminology support. They do not replace clinician review of your individual report.
Important Notice
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