Author information

¹Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.

²Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Center for Liver Diseases, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. spaul@bsd.uchicago.edu.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Provide a concise update on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as a practical approach to screening and initial evaluation.

Recent findings: Nomenclature changes have placed a greater focus on cardiometabolic risk factors in the definition of MASLD. Screening for MASLD is by stepwise noninvasive serum and imaging tests which can identify patients at risk for advanced fibrosis and liver-related complications. MASLD has been increasing in prevalence and disease burden but is underrecognized in primary care and endocrinology clinics. Multiple society guidelines, synthesized here, provide a framework for the initial approach in the diagnosis and evaluation of MASLD. Recent advances in pharmacologic treatment underline the importance of screening for patients who are at risk for advanced fibrosis as they are most likely to benefit from new drug classes, such as the liver-directed thyroid receptor agonist resmiterom.