Title:The Relevance of Noninvasive Tools To Assess Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
VOLUME: 26 ISSUE: 32
Author(s):Grazia Pennisi*, Ciro Celsa, Antonina Giammanco, Federica Spatola and Salvatore Petta*
Affiliation:Sezione di Gastroenterologia e Epatologia, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Sezione di Gastroenterologia e Epatologia, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, Palermo, Sezione di Gastroenterologia e Epatologia, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Sezione di Gastroenterologia e Epatologia, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo
Keywords:NAFLD, NASH, fibrosis, non-invasive tests, FibroScan, MRE, MRI, biomarkers.
Abstract:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide,
involving about 25% of people. NAFLD incorporates a large spectrum of pathological conditions, from simple
steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and its complications include hepatic decompensation
and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This progression occurs, over many years, in an asymptomatic way, until
advanced fibrosis appears. Thus, the differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis and identification of advanced
hepatic fibrosis are key issues. To date, the histological assessment of fibrosis with liver biopsy is the gold standard,
but obviously, invasiveness is the greater threshold. In addition, rare but potentially life-threatening complications,
poor acceptability, sampling variability and cost maybe restrict its use. Furthermore, due to the epidemic
of NAFLD worldwide and several limitations of liver biopsy evaluation, noninvasive assessment tools to detect
fibrosis in NAFLD patients are needed.
