What does "steatosis" refer to in hepatic imaging?

Steatosis in hepatic imaging refers to the presence of diffuse fatty infiltrates within the hepatic parenchyma, which is effectively the liver tissue. This condition is often indicative of an accumulation of fat within the liver cells, known as hepatic steatosis or fatty liver disease. It can occur due to various reasons, including alcohol consumption, obesity, or certain metabolic disorders.

Identifying steatosis is important in imaging as it can signal potential liver dysfunction or early stages of liver disease. In imaging studies like ultrasound, CT, or MRI, steatosis can present as a characteristic appearance, often described as a hyperechoic (brighter) liver on ultrasound or luminosity changes on other modalities.

The other options describe different liver conditions but do not define steatosis. Increased fibrosis refers to a buildup of scar tissue, improvement of blood flow to the liver would not be associated with fat accumulation, and cysts in hepatic tissue denote the presence of fluid-filled sacs, which are not related to fatty infiltration. Understanding steatosis aids in the early identification and management of liver-related diseases.