Hepatic steatosis: additional findings in the splanchnic system on magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Purpose: To document additional findings in the Splanchnic System in patients with hepatosteatosis on clinical MR studies. Materials and Methods: One hundred randomly selected studies of patients with hepatosteatosis who underwent clinical MR studies during a six-month interval were included. Clinical information on the current requisition and prior abdominal studies within one year was recorded. No research or additional investigation into medical records was performed. Statistical analyses were performed. Results: Among 100 patients with hepatosteatosis, there were 59 Females (mean 52.6 years). The presenting complaint was abdominal pain, right upper quadrant, or general pain in 77. Ninety-nine patients showed increased enhancement of the upper GI tract in at least one segment (esophagus and duodenum most commonly). There was a significant association between the subjective grading of hepatosteatosis and bowel enhancement in the Splanchnic System (p=0.00049). Ninety-four were overweight/obese; 23 had pancreatic steatosis; 8 had mesenteric panniculitis. Other findings were recorded. Conclusion: Variable increased enhancement of the upper GI tract was present in almost all patients with hepatosteatosis, and various other abnormalities in the splanchnic system were observed. Hepatosteatosis and inflammation of the upper GI tract may be commonly present together and may be part of a larger picture of splanchnic abnormalities.