A recent report (H Okura et al. J Pediatr 2021; 234: 92-98. Under-reporting of Hepatic Steatosis in Children: A Missed Opportunity for Early Detection) showed that hepatic steatosis is under-reported as an incidental finding on CT scans which were ordered for nephrolithiasis.
Key findings:
- Using absolute liver attenuation <48 Hounsfield units (HU), the prevalence was 7% (n = 42/584). Steatosis was reported for only 12 of 42 (28%) of these patients and was documented in clinical notes in only 3 of those cases
- 232 (40%) had liver enzymes available within 24 hrs of CT scan. 79 had elevated ALT values; steatosis accounted for only 22% of those with elevated ALT values
- In those with liver attenuation < 48 HU, nearly all had abnormal ALT values and the median was 52 U/L
- Patients with steatosis had an 8-fold likelihood of overweight/obesity
Discussion:
- These findings are similar to an adult study of 1290 patients in which 26% had steatosis but only 5% had those findings identified and documented beyond the radiology report. (N Kutaiba et al. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2019; 3: 431-8)
- CT findings are considered much more accurate than ultrasonography.
- The authors argue that identification of NAFLD is “crucial” to allow for further specialty evaluation and to exclude secondary causes of steatosis.
My take: This study shows that there is an opportunity to improve identification of incidental steatosis. If identified, this can/should be addressed by their primary care team to emphasize improved diet choices and physical activity.
Related blog posts:
- Best Practice for Fatty Liver Disease | gutsandgrowth
- Online Aspen Webinar (Part 6) -NAFLD and NASH | gutsandgrowth
- The Paramount Health Challenge for Humans in the 21st Century
- How Often Do Children with Obesity Have a Fatty Liver?
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