Gastroenterology Consultants,SC: Diseases of the GI tract [<<back | list all>>] FATTY LIVER AND STEATOHEPATITIS Fatty liver is just what its name suggests: the build up of fat in the liver cells. Although this is not a normal condition, fat in the liver usually cause no damage by itself. However on some occasions it can be a sign that other more harmful conditions are at work. Fatty liver may be associated with or may lead to inflammation of the liver. This can cause scarring and hardening of the liver. When scarring becomes extensive, it is called cirrhosis and this is a very serious condition. Steatohepatitis: Steato refers to fat. Therefore steatohepatitis is inflammation of the liver related to fat accumulation .