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The liver is an organ that filters blood and removes toxins. MASLD (formerly known as fatty liver or NAFLD) is a condition in which fat deposits develop in the liver. This can cause liver inflammation and scarring, which can lead to cirrhosis and prevent the liver from functioning properly. If MASLD progresses, patients may need a liver transplant.
The hepatologists (liver specialists) at Weill Cornell Medicine are highly trained in diagnosing and treating MASLD. Our board-certified physicians offer compassionate and effective care, liver transplantation, and access to the latest clinical research.
MASLD risk factors: You are more likely to develop MASLD if you have:
● Obesity
● Fat concentrated around the abdomen
● High blood sugar
● Type 2 diabetes
● High cholesterol
● High levels of triglycerides
● Polycystic ovary syndrome
● Sleep apnea
● Hormonal disorder (such as an underactive thyroid or pituitary gland)
● Current or prior heavy alcohol use
Prevention and treatment strategies: The cause of MASLD is unknown. There are no medical treatments for MASLD. Our hepatologists monitor the disease's progression and help patients achieve their personal lifestyle goals. The best way to prevent the disease and the most effective way to manage MASLD is to maintain good overall health. In order to stay healthy, we recommend you:
● Maintain a healthy weight
● Limit alcohol intake or avoid alcohol
● Eat a healthy diet
● Maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regularly
● Control diabetes
● Lower cholesterol levels
● Take only medications prescribed to you
● Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B (if diagnosed with MASLD)
MASLD screening: Your primary care physician can screen for MASLD with a simple blood test to check liver enzyme levels and an ultrasound to look at the liver.
Often, MASLD disease does not cause symptoms. When it does, the most common signs include:
● Fatigue
● Abdomen or belly pain
● Loss of appetite
● Nausea
● Leg swelling
● Abdomen or belly swelling
● Itching
● Yellow skin or eyes
Diagnostic tests and imaging: MASLD is usually diagnosed through a series of blood tests and imaging. The blood test results rule out other liver disorders, such as hepatitis B or C. To support the MASLD diagnosis, physicians will also conduct imaging procedures, such as an ultrasound or CT scan of the liver. In some cases, your physician may recommend a liver biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue) to confirm the diagnosis of MASLD.
Stages: There are no stages of MASLD, but it is important to determine if the condition has damaged the liver, as well as the extent of damage. After a MASLD diagnosis, your physician will determine if there is any liver inflammation (steatohepatitis), scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis. Physicians may use a specialized ultrasound (Fibroscan) or MRI (MR elastography) to determine the extent of damage to the liver. Occasionally, a liver biopsy is also used to examine for signs of inflammation and scarring.
Steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis can lead to liver failure or cancer, so it is important to receive expert care from a board-certified liver specialist who can provide long-term care.
The Innovative Center for Health and Nutrition in Gastroenterology (ICHANGE) was designed to create a structured approach to patients with obesity and gastrointestinal comorbidities. The clinic is comprised of a group of gastroenterologists, hepatologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, and dietitians that see patients in a central clinic location on the same day. The hepatologists in the clinic specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of MASLD.
Liver transplantation: In cases of extensive liver damage or failure, transplantation is the best treatment. Our highly trained surgeons use proven, minimally invasive procedures.
After transplantation surgery, patients receive comprehensive care from a team of specialists to ensure successful recovery and long-term care.
The hepatologists at Weill Cornell Medicine unite their specialized expertise with the breadth of knowledge and support at our top-ranked hospital.
Weill Cornell Medicine patients have access to specialists in surgery, rheumatology, psychiatry, hepatology, oncology, nutrition, genetics and other fields. In addition, our patients benefit from collaborative care with:
● The Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliarmy and Pancreatic Surgery Program
Our board-certified hepatologists provide compassionate care based on the latest MASLD research and clinical findings. Patients benefit from our physicians’ extensive training, targeted care, and collaboration with other specialists at our top-ranked hospital.
