Presentation
Elevated blood lipid levels. Screening.
Patient Data
The liver shows diffusely increased echogenicity with severe posterior acoustic shadowing significantly limiting the evaluation of the posterior segments. Impression: grade III diffuse hepatic steatosis.
Statin therapy was initiated, reducing blood lipid levels significantly. Lifestyle changes also resulted in the return of the BMI into the normal range during the following months.
Follow-up 6 months later
The liver echogenicity is now only moderately increased, both diaphragmatic and periportal echogenicity is easily appreciated (grade I). Minimal focal fatty sparing at the typical locations.
Case Discussion
An example of the dramatic effect of lipid-lowering therapy and change of body habitus on the liver echostructure within a relatively short timeframe.