CLINICAL CASE REPORT: REGIONAL HEPATIC STEATOSIS AND ITS DIAGNOSTIC ASPECTS

<p><strong><em><span>Background:</span></em></strong><em><span> Liver lobular steatosis (LLS) is a rare yet clinically significant condition, often detected incidentally [1].<span>   </span>Unlike diffuse steatosis, which is commonly associated with metabolic disorders, LLS tends to present asymptomatically and may not be diagnosed until later stages [2]. This case report explores the role of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors in the development of LLS, highlighting the complexity of its diagnosis.</span></em></p> <p><strong><em><span>Case Presentation:</span></em></strong><em><span> A 60-year-old female patient presented for routine examination with complaints of right upper quadrant pain, fatigue, weakness, nausea, and loss of appetite. The patient's medical history revealed moderate alcohol consumption, a family history of liver cirrhosis and diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly, and laboratory tests indicated elevated liver enzymes, consistent with hepatic steatosis.</span></em></p> <p><strong><em><span>Diagnosis:</span></em></strong><em><span> Imaging studies, including abdominal MRI and MSCT angiography, revealed heterogeneous fat accumulation in the liver, particularly in the left lobe [3]. The final diagnosis was lobular liver steatosis (S3, D3, C1, Table 1), based on the combination of clinical findings, imaging results, and laboratory tests.</span></em></p> <p><strong><em><span>Treatment and Management:</span></em></strong><em><span> The patient’s treatment plan included lifestyle modifications, including alcohol cessation and dietary adjustments, alongside management of her hyperlipidemia [4]. Regular follow-up was recommended to monitor liver function and assess the effectiveness of the interventions.</span></em></p> <p><strong><em><span>Conclusion:</span></em></strong><em><span> This case highlights the importance of considering environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors in the development of liver lobular steatosis, even in patients without obvious metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of LLS and to develop targeted treatment strategies.<strong> </strong></span></em></p>