Which of the following signs is associated with high cholesterol and can involve the earlobe?

• A. Crease in earlobe
• B. Increased hair growth on legs
• C. Blue sclerae
• D. Palpable fatty liver

Answer: (D)

High cholesterol and related lipid disorders often affect the liver because excess lipids circulate and accumulate in hepatocytes, leading to hepatic steatosis. When this happens, the liver can become enlarged and palpable on examination, which is a direct sign of lipid overload in the liver. This makes a palpable fatty liver a strong indicator of dyslipidemia and associated metabolic disturbance.

Other signs listed are less directly tied to high cholesterol. A crease in the earlobe can be seen more as a marker linked to vascular disease and atherosclerosis rather than a direct sign of elevated cholesterol. Blue sclerae point to conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta or certain metabolic disorders, not hyperlipidemia. Increased hair growth on the legs isn’t a characteristic feature of lipid disorders.