Should liver elasticity test be performed for fatty liver with high transaminase

When patients with fatty liver experience elevated transaminase levels, it is usually recommended to undergo liver elasticity testing. Fatty liver may be caused by metabolic abnormalities, alcohol intake, and other factors, and liver elasticity examination can help evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis.

Fatty liver with elevated transaminase levels suggests the possibility of liver inflammation or fibrosis progression. Liver elasticity examination can effectively distinguish between simple fatty liver and fibrotic fatty liver by non-invasive measurement of liver hardness values. For patients with long-term alcohol consumption, obesity, or concomitant metabolic syndrome, this examination can assist in determining the severity of the condition. If the test results show an increase in hardness value, further evaluation should be conducted in combination with blood testing and imaging.

A small number of patients with mild fatty liver may have a temporary increase in transaminase levels, which may be related to recent improper diet or vigorous exercise. At this time, doctors may temporarily postpone elasticity testing based on the specific situation. But if the transaminase remains abnormal or accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue, progressive liver disease must be ruled out through elasticity testing. Some patients with severe ascites or acute hepatitis may need to postpone implementation due to examination errors.

It is recommended that patients with fatty liver regularly monitor liver function indicators and avoid high-fat diets and alcohol intake. If the transaminase levels repeatedly increase or the elasticity test results are abnormal, it is necessary to seek medical attention promptly at the gastroenterology or liver disease department, and if necessary, perform liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. It is necessary to maintain moderate exercise in daily life and control weight within the normal range.