hepatic and biliary disorders
Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Liver Disease (MASLD)
Key Points
MASLD includes a benign condition called steatotic liver disease as well as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASH causes histologic liver damage similar to that in alcoholic hepatitis but occurs in patients who are not alcoholics and who often are obese or have type 2 diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia. Symptoms are usually absent, but some patients have right upper quadrant discomfort, fatigue, and/or malaise. Signs of portal hypertension and cirrhosis can eventually occur and may be the first manifestations. Rule out alcoholism (based on corroborated history) and hepatitis B and C (with serologic tests) and do noninvasive imaging scans to assess fatty infiltration and degree of fibrosis. Eliminate causes and control risk factors when possible. 