What condition is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes?

The accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes is primarily indicative of fatty infiltration, which is often referred to as fatty liver disease or hepatic steatosis. In this condition, the liver cells become overloaded with fat, particularly triglycerides, leading to cellular dysfunction. This accumulation can result from various factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, excessive alcohol consumption, and metabolic syndromes.

Fatty infiltration is characterized by the presence of numerous lipid droplets within the hepatocytes when viewed on ultrasound, which may also be confirmed via additional imaging techniques or biopsies that demonstrate the histological changes in the liver. Recognizing fatty infiltration early is crucial because it can progress to more severe liver conditions, such as NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), cirrhosis, or liver failure if not addressed.

Other conditions mentioned do not specifically describe the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. For instance, passive hepatitis is associated with inflammation typically secondary to heart failure, rather than fat accumulation. Cirrhosis involves the scarring of liver tissue and is the end stage of chronic liver diseases, and glycogen storage diseases are genetic disorders relating to the improper metabolism of glycogen, not triglycerides. Thus, the focus on triglyceride accumulation specifically points towards