Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells. A small amount of fat in the liver is normal, but too much can lead to inflammation and, over time, scarring of the liver tissue.

There are two main types:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — fat accumulation not related to alcohol use, often linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
• Alcohol-related fatty liver disease — caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

A more advanced form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), involves inflammation and liver cell damage in addition to fat buildup, and can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver failure if left untreated.

Liver elastography is a noninvasive imaging test that measures the stiffness of your liver tissue. Stiffness is a strong indicator of fibrosis, or scarring — the stiffer the liver, the more advanced the scarring tends to be.

During the test, your provider at Florida Digestive Specialists uses a specialized ultrasound-based device placed on your abdomen. The device sends painless vibrations into the liver and measures how quickly they travel through the tissue. This gives your doctor a reliable picture of both liver fat content and the degree of fibrosis, without the discomfort and risks of a traditional liver biopsy.

Fatty liver disease frequently causes no symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening is so important if you have risk factors. Your provider may recommend liver elastography if you have:

• Obesity or a high body mass index
• Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Metabolic syndrome
• Abnormal liver function tests found on routine bloodwork
• A history of heavy alcohol use
• Known or suspected liver fibrosis or cirrhosis

Some people with more advanced disease may notice fatigue, mild upper right abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss, though many cases are found incidentally through lab work or imaging done for other reasons.

Liver elastography requires no sedation, needles, or incisions. You’ll lie on your back, and your provider applies a small amount of gel to your abdomen before placing the elastography probe over your liver. You may feel a brief, painless vibration or pressure with each measurement.

The test typically takes about 10-15 minutes, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward. Your provider will review your results and, if fatty liver disease or fibrosis is detected, work with you on a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, weight management, blood sugar and cholesterol control, and ongoing monitoring to track your liver health over time.

If you have questions about fatty liver disease or liver elastography, or you need to schedule an evaluation, call Florida Digestive Specialists or use the online booking feature.