Abdomen | ct / ultrasound / mri
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.
Hepatic steatosis means fat was seen in the liver on imaging.
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What it means
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.
How common it is
Fatty liver is a very common imaging finding on abdominal scans.
Very common abdominal imaging finding
Fat accumulation in the liver is frequently reported across ultrasound, CT, and MRI.
Common causes
- Obesity or insulin resistance
- Diabetes or high triglycerides
- Alcohol use
- Medication effects or other liver conditions
When doctors worry
- The report also mentions fibrosis or cirrhosis
- Lab tests or symptoms suggest active liver disease
- The pattern looks focal or atypical
Typical follow-up
- Correlate with liver enzymes and metabolic history
- Consider further liver evaluation if needed
- Focus on the underlying cause rather than the scan wording alone
Example report wording
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
See phrase explanationMild fatty infiltration of the liver.
See phrase explanation
Common report phrases linked to this finding
Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis.
"Cholelithiasis without evidence of acute cholecystitis." is radiology report language linked to gallstones and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Diffuse hepatic steatosis.
"Diffuse hepatic steatosis." is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
mild diffuse hepatic steatosis
"mild diffuse hepatic steatosis" is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Mild fatty infiltration of the liver.
"Mild fatty infiltration of the liver." is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
mild hepatic steatosis
"mild hepatic steatosis" is radiology report language linked to hepatic steatosis and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Frequently asked questions
Is hepatic steatosis the same as liver failure?
No. Many people with fatty liver do not have severe liver disease.
Can imaging alone tell severity?
Not always. Severity and cause usually need clinical and lab correlation.
Related symptom guides
These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.
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.
Clear medical disclaimer
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.
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.
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