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Fatty liver (also called steatosis) is the collection of excessive amounts of fat inside liver cells. The liver is the largest organ within the body and performs many important functions. Fatty liver may also be caused by certain drug overdoses or toxic chemical poisonings, such as carbon tetrachloride. The liver may be tender when the abdomen is pressed.
An enlarged liver without any other symptoms usually suggests fatty liver. In fact, fatty liver is usually reversible. In cases of malnutrition, the goal is to develop a healthy diet, sometimes with the aid of vitamin and mineral supplements. Severe liver damage can occur if fatty liver is left untreated.
In these cases, the patient may eventually require a liver transplant. To prevent Reye's syndrome, children should never be given aspirin to treat colds and viruses.
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