Fatty Liver Disease Treatment & Diagnosis

Fatty/steatotic liver disease often goes undetected because it may not cause symptoms and may not cause obvious liver blood tests. Yet getting a timely and accurate diagnosis, particularly if you have established liver scarring, is critical to protect your liver and intervene if needed.

To determine if you have fatty/steatotic liver disease, your team at UChicago Medicine will give you a physical exam and ask about your past health. We may then recommend: 

• Blood tests to check the function of your liver and rule out other causes of fat buildup in the liver or abnormal liver tests.
• A noninvasive test called a FibroScan, and possibly more imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your liver
• A liver biopsy. This is often needed if another liver diagnosis is suggested by your blood tests or if you have had elevated liver tests over an extended period of time. During this test, performed by interventional radiologists, a hollow needle is used to remove a tiny tissue sample from your liver. This tissue is then checked under a microscope for signs of damage. This test can also help determine the cause of the damage and how far the disease has progressed.

Treatment for Fatty/Steatotic Liver Disease

When you come to the Metabolic Liver Clinic, you will receive a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to prevent fat from building up in your liver or getting worse. Patients with established liver scarring, may be appropriate for a newly approved medication to treat the more progressive type of the disease (MASH) or if you qualify for a clinical trial with an otherwise not available medication.

Our care team will provide education and support, and help you set realistic goals. Your treatment plan may include: 

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet (Mediterranean diet)
• Getting regular physical activity
• Reducing stress
• Controlling diabetes, high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides
• Improving sleep habits and treating underlying sleep apnea
• Taking your medicines
• Minimizing your alcohol intake
• Stopping smoking

The Metabolic Liver Clinic provides comprehensive care in one location, so you can meet with your entire care team.