What leads to acute fatty liver?

Acute fatty liver is primarily caused by the accumulation of fat deposits within liver cells, which is why this choice is identified as correct. When the body is unable to metabolize fats effectively, these lipid accumulations can lead to inflammation and damage, which characterizes acute fatty liver.

This condition can arise from several underlying factors, such as metabolic disorders or rapid weight loss, which can lead to an increased influx of free fatty acids to the liver or hinder their oxidation. The excess fat in the liver can provoke a response that results in liver inflammation and may progress to more serious liver conditions if not addressed.

In contrast, while long-term alcohol abuse can certainly contribute to liver damage and is a common cause of fatty liver disease (particularly alcoholic fatty liver), it does not directly cause acute fatty liver in the same manner as the specific accumulation of fat within liver cells. Similarly, abnormal metabolism and viral infections may affect liver health, but they do not specifically lead to the acute fatty liver condition as a primary mechanism.