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*Diarrhoea (sometimes)
*Diarrhoea (sometimes)
*Palpable hepatomegaly (sometimes)
*Palpable hepatomegaly (sometimes)
*Coagulopathies (sometimes)
===Laboratory Tests===
===Laboratory Tests===
====Biochemistry====
====Biochemistry====
*Markedly increased level in alanine
*Low gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) concentration
====Other Tests====
====Other Tests====
===Diagnostic Imaging===
===Diagnostic Imaging===
Abdominal radiography shows a marked hepatomegaly.
On ultrasound, an enlarged and diffusely hyperechoeic liver is seen.
On ultrasound, an enlarged and diffusely hyperechoeic liver is seen.
==Histopathology==
==Histopathology==
Fine needle aspirate of the liver is normally sufficient for a diagnosis
Fine needle aspirate of the liver is normally sufficient for a diagnosis. Cytology demonstrates hepatocytes swollen with lipid.
Biopsy and culture of the liver tissue is always indicated to determine the underlying cause of the disease.
Biopsy and culture of the liver tissue is always indicated to determine the underlying cause of the disease.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
*Nutritional support for 4 - 6 weeks
*Nutritional support for 4 - 6 weeks
**Ensure the diet is of adequate calorific content with an increase in protein content and added arginine and ornithine.
**This is the most important treatment in hepatic lipidosis. It is vital to ensure that the diet is of adequate calorific content with an increase in protein content. Specific nutrients such as arginine, taurine, or carnitine may also be added.
**Treat for [[Hepatic Encephalopathy #Medical Management|Hepatic Encephalopathy]] if presented.
**This can be done via different feeding systems such as naso-oesophageal tube, oesophagostomy tube, gastrostomy tube.
*Treat for [[Hepatic Encephalopathy #Medical Management|Hepatic Encephalopathy]] if presented.