All of the following are features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis except: September 2005
**Core Concept**
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by inflammation and damage to liver cells due to excessive fat accumulation. The pathophysiology involves oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and immune system activation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
NASH is a progressive condition that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The correct answer features of NASH include hepatocellular ballooning, Mallory-Denk bodies, and lymphocytic infiltration. These features are indicative of an ongoing inflammatory process that can cause liver damage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Steatosis (fatty liver) is a hallmark of NAFLD, including NASH, so this option is incorrect because it's a feature of NASH, not an exception.
**Option B:** Hepatic fibrosis is a common consequence of chronic liver inflammation in NASH, making this option incorrect as well.
**Option C:** The correct answer should be an option that does not describe a feature of NASH, which would be **Option D**.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
NASH is often associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and obesity, making it essential to screen patients with these conditions for liver damage.
**Correct Answer:** D.