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What Does Decreased Attenuation Compatible With Hepatic Steatosis Mean?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Sep 2015
Question: Hi, I am 25, male, with a BMI of 36. I recently got over being very sick (likely viral infection that lasted for about a week and caused severe vomiting and a fever of over 104F), and after checking some bloodwork, it was noticed that my AST and ALT were high (AST 132, ALT 227). My doctor has ordered weekly blood tests, which have returned (AST-ALT) 106-192, 77-191, and 122-283. The 122-283 is the most recent reading. A CT scan also noted that my liver demonstrated decreased attenuation compatible with hepatic steatosis. I have started taking milk thistle, cutting out soft drinks, and losing weight. Two weeks ago, I began taking Prilosec, which is being explained as the reason for the sudden spike in my enzyme levels after they had started falling.

While I was sick, platelet count and white blood cell count were low, but tests for hepatitis A, B, and C and mononucleosis came back negative.

I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in a few weeks, but until then, is there anything I should be doing to try to improve these numbers? Also, can you please explain to me what "decreased attenuation compatible with hepatic steatosis" means?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please upload all the reports

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

for a better understanding of your situation please provide the following data:
- when did you have symptoms for the first time? Describe them in detail please, not forgetting to mention the timeline.
- please scan the reports of all the tests you've done (or take a good quality photo with your cell phone) and upload them.

Regarding improving your numbers, there is nothing you can do. You should avoid any liver toxin though (like alcohol or any drug that's not absolutely necessary).

Decreased attenuation is a radiological term, which refers to the hue of the liver (as presented on the film). Steatosis means that your liver has accumulated fat. This is usually the result of one of the following three (more causes may apply, but the most common ones are presented here):
- heavy alcohol consumption
- diabetes mellitus
- obesity

This is usually an uneventful condition, but it may sometimes progress to steatohepatitis (which is a form of non-infectious hepatitis) and even cirrhosis (irreversible scarring of the liver accompanied by serious functional decline).

I hope you find my comments helpful!
I'll be glad to comment on your case, when you provide the necessary data!

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Does Decreased Attenuation Compatible With Hepatic Steatosis Mean?

Brief Answer: Please upload all the reports Detailed Answer: Hello, for a better understanding of your situation please provide the following data: - when did you have symptoms for the first time? Describe them in detail please, not forgetting to mention the timeline. - please scan the reports of all the tests you've done (or take a good quality photo with your cell phone) and upload them. Regarding improving your numbers, there is nothing you can do. You should avoid any liver toxin though (like alcohol or any drug that's not absolutely necessary). Decreased attenuation is a radiological term, which refers to the hue of the liver (as presented on the film). Steatosis means that your liver has accumulated fat. This is usually the result of one of the following three (more causes may apply, but the most common ones are presented here): - heavy alcohol consumption - diabetes mellitus - obesity This is usually an uneventful condition, but it may sometimes progress to steatohepatitis (which is a form of non-infectious hepatitis) and even cirrhosis (irreversible scarring of the liver accompanied by serious functional decline). I hope you find my comments helpful! I'll be glad to comment on your case, when you provide the necessary data! Kind Regards!