American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the diagnostic fat excretion level indicative of steatorrhea?

1. 10 g/d

2. 14 g/d

3. 20 g/d

4. 30 g/d

The correct answer is: 14 g/d

Steatorrhea is a condition characterized by excessive fat in the feces due to malabsorption of dietary fats, which can occur in various gastrointestinal disorders. The diagnostic threshold for determining steatorrhea is typically considered to be a fat excretion level of more than 7 grams per day. A fat excretion level of approximately 14 grams per day signifies that the absorption of fat is significantly compromised, aligning well with clinical definitions used in practice. This level indicates a malabsorption syndrome that may warrant further investigation into potential underlying causes such as pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, or other conditions that may affect fat digestion and absorption. The other values presented do not define steatorrhea in this context. While levels above 14 g/d may also indicate steatorrhea, 14 g/d is considered a clear benchmark for the diagnosis. Values lower than this would not typically be diagnostic for steatorrhea.