Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the presence of hepatic steatosis when no other causes for secondary hepatic fat accumulation (eg, heavy alcohol consumption) are present. NAFLD may progress to cirrhosis and is likely an important cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis. NAFLD is subdivided into the nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
In NAFL, hepatic steatosis is present without evidence of significant inflammation, whereas in NASH, hepatic steatosis is associated with hepatic inflammation that may be histologically indistinguishable from alcoholic steatohepatitis. risk factors for NAFLD, central obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Most patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are asymptomatic, although some patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may complain of fatigue, malaise,…
