ABSTRACT
Nonalcoholic fatty liver is a frequently encountered clinical entity. It may be found as an apparently spontaneous phenomenon having no discernible cause or significance, or it may be iatrogenically induced. Advanced forms of fatty liver can lead to liver cell necrosis and ultimately to severe cirrhosis. In addition to the more common forms of fatty liver, a less frequent and morphologically distinct subcategory, microvesicular fatty liver, can be identified in certain clinical settings. This disease is generally more acute and potentially more reversible, but the prognosis is more ominous if it is not quickly recognized and appropriately treated.
- Received April 1987.
- Accepted July 1987.
- Copyright © 1988 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.