Liver steatosis in HIV-infected patients

Liver steatosis, defined as abnormal fat accumulation in hepatocytes, may be related to different pathogenic mechanisms, in particular metabolic abnormalities, toxic injuries, and viral infections. Since most of these mechanisms are frequently encountered in HIV-infected patients, and since HIV infection per se and antiretroviral treatments may be involved in the pathogenesis of liver steatosis, it could be speculated that HIV-infected patients are at a high risk of developing the condition. However, studies on steatosis in HIV-infected patients are still rare and do not reveal any significant increase, prevalence or clinical impact. Nevertheless, while waiting for prospective studies in HIV-infected patients, improved recognition, diagnosis and management of steatosis are required in these patients.