MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease)

MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease): MASLD is a milder form within the spectrum of steatotic liver disease. It refers to the accumulation of excess fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis) without significant inflammation or liver cell injury. MASLD was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In some individuals, MASLD may remain stable for many years without causing major complications. However, in others, it can progress to MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis), the inflammatory form of the disease characterized by hepatocellular injury and an increased risk of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver-related complications.

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Disease Stage

Approximate HCC Risk

MASLD (simple steatosis)

<0.1% per year

MASH without fibrosis

<0.2% per year

MASH with significant fibrosis (F2–F3)

0.3–0.8% per year

MASH cirrhosis (F4)

1–3% per year

Decompensated cirrhosis

2–4% per year

References

  1. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, European Association for the Study of the Liver, Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado, et al. A multi-society Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature. Journal of Hepatology. 2023;79(6):1542–1556. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2023.06.003.
  2. Rinella ME, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Siddiqui MS, et al. Evolving nomenclature for fatty liver disease: from NAFLD to MASLD and MASH. Hepatology. 2024;79(4):e93–e104.
  3. Younossi ZM, Golabi P, Paik JM, et al. The global epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2024;21:195–213.
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