What causes a fatty liver?
Patient: I am a 52 yr. old female with fibromyalgia and several spinal injuries (ongoing).  A few days ago I noticed severe soreness along my upper, left rib cage area - close to my left breast.  This morning I looked in the mirror to see if there was any swelling and there are several wormy shaped bruises in the 10 inch area.  The soreness is worse and I wonder what in the world it could be.  I have had several cortizone injections in my back (accompanied by fluoroscope) and wonder if the radiation could be having some serious side effects.  I also have a fatty liver and misplaced pancreas.  I have lost 20 pounds in the past 4 months which is totally unexplained and unexpected.  My GP doesn't think anything is ever wrong, but I have wonderful gastro and cardio docs.  (I have two failing heart valves). HELP! Doctor: Hi, Swelling, soreness and wormed shaped bruises can be because of allergy to any particular drug or to allergens. It can be mild allergy or can be hives or urticaria with angioedema. Allergic hives and angioedema form, when in response to histamine blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin. Histamine is a chemical released from specialized cells along the skin's blood vessels. Allergic reactions, chemicals in certain foods, insect stings, sunlight exposure, or medications can all cause histamine release. It's often impossible to find out exactly why hives have formed.You have to find out the cause by yourself. Antihistaminic medicines like Levocetrizine can be taken along with low doses of Methyl Prednisiolone for 4 to 5 days, allergic test should also be done.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ramesh Kumar