Steatorrhea (or steatorrhoea) is the formation of bulky, grey or light colored stools. Stools may also float and have an oily appearance. There is increased fat excretion, which can be objectivated by determining the fecal fat levels. While definitions have not been standardised, fat excretion in faeces in excess of 0.3 (g/kg)/day is considered indicative of steatorrhea.

Seen in:

• malabsorption, e.g. in inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and abetalipoproteinemia
• exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• chronic pancreatitis
• choledocholithiasis (obstruction of the bile duct by a gallstone)
• pancreatic cancer (if it obstructs biliary outflow)
• primary sclerosing cholangitis
• bacterial overgrowth
• Short bowel syndrome
• Cystic fibrosis

Gastroenterology

Stéatorrhée | Steatorroe | Steatorrhoe