NASH in Obese Lady with Elevated LFT

Author: V. Dimov, M.D.,
Reviewer: S. Randhawa, M.D.

A 64 yo AAF with a PMH of CAD, HTN, hypercholesterolemia, GERD, diverticulosis is admitted to the hospital with chest pain (CP). She was ruled out for acute ischemia and has no complaints now.

Medications

Vasotec, Ultram, Zetia, ASA, Norvasc.

SH

No EtOH or tobacco abuse.

Physical examination

Obese in NAD. BP 187/86.
Otherwise unremarkable.

Laboratory results


Elevated LFT, mainly AST, ALT and AP; bilirubin was normal (click to enlarge the image).

What is the first question to ask?

What are the baseline LFTs?

She had normal LFTs one year ago.

What do you think is the reason for elevated LFT?

Hepatitis - viral vs. drug-induced?
NASH.

What to do next?

Repeat LFTs, check "hepatitis profile", liver U/S.

The hepatitis profile was negative.


U/S of the liver showed gallstones without evidence of cholecystitis and a fatty liver (click to enlarge the image).

How is the lipid profile?

She had elevated triglecyrides and cholesterol.

Final diagnosis

Fatty liver with likely NASH.

What happened?

Her LFTs decreased but did not go down to baseline during this hospital stay. She was asymptomatic and was discharged home with a diet modification and a 2-week follow-up.

What did we learn from this case?

Not all elevations of LFTs are due to viral or drug-induced hepatitis. Keep NASH in mind, especially in obese patients with elevated triglycerides or/and cholesterol.

References

Diagnosis and Management of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). AFP, 2001.

Published: 01/12/2004
Updated: 03/12/2005