Resolution of NASH with weight loss documented by hepatic MRI

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Jan 6:2015:bcr2014207107. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-207107.

Abstract

A 57-year-old Asian woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia and history of breast cancer, was referred to the cardiovascular health and lipid centre for evaluation and management of dyslipidaemia and NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) in 2010. She originally had a detailed work up at the liver clinic for elevated liver enzymes, with no associated symptoms. Initial hepatic MRI on 22 January 2007 showed diffuse fatty infiltration quantitated at 15%. We counselled her on lifestyle modifications, including dietary measures and exercise, geared toward weight loss. Over the next 2 years, she lost 24.5 lbs; repeat hepatic MRI on 22 December 2011 showed 6% hepatic fat, which is within the normal range. This case demonstrates the efficacy of significant weight loss in the improvement and resolution of NASH. We believe that this is the first case report documenting this through liver MRI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism*
  • Counseling
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / etiology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / pathology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / therapy*
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Weight Loss / physiology*