INCIDENTAL HEPATIC STEATOSIS IDENTIFIED ON ULTRASOUND IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHOLECYSTECTOMY: HIGH PREVALENCE AND INSUFFICIENT INVESTIGATIVE AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT.

Abstract

Background: Steatotic liver disease (SLD) affects about 1 billion people globally, making its proper management essential to prevent progression to more severe stages.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate medical management concerning hepatic steatosis incidentally identified by ultrasound in patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy.

Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective cholecystectomy at Hospital do Trabalhador, in Curitiba/PR, between 2018 and 2022. Patients with external ultrasound reports or incomplete data in their medical records were excluded. Medical records, laboratory tests, and ultrasound reports were analyzed to evaluate the prevalence of steatosis in these patients.

Results: The study sample consisted of 355 patients, and 103 (29.01%) of them presented steatosis on ultrasound. Older age (P=0.0022), male sex (P=0.03009), higher body mass index (P<0.001), obesity (P<0.001), hypertension (P<0.001), dyslipidemia (P=0.0072), and elevated levels of oxaloacetic and pyruvic aminotransferases (P=0.02112) were associated with the presence of this finding. No action was taken regarding the presence of steatosis in 60.19% of patients. Approximately 39.81% had the finding recorded in their medical records, 6.80% received lifestyle change counseling, and 4.85% were investigated for the stage of steatosis.

Conclusion: A significant prevalence of hepatic steatosis was incidentally identified in the ultrasound of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. However, the approach to this finding was insufficient, highlighting the need for substantial improvements on its management and investigation.