Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of potentially progressive liver disease that comprises of simple steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, variable degree of fibrosis, and cirrhosis. NAFLD is closely associated with type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity and is recognized as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome.
NAFLD has emerged a leading cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide, as its incidence in adult population (~ 30 %) parallels the epidemics of type 2 diabetes, obesity and is becoming one of the most frequent causes of cirrhosis and liver transplantation worldwide. Moreover, its prevalence is rising due to unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle and NAFLD is associated with increased cardiovascular and cancer risk.
The methods with good diagnostic accuracy for non-alcoholic fatty liver are a cornerstone in proper management of patients with NAFLD.