Cerebral hemodynamics in the non-alcoholic fatty liver

David Vidal-González1, Guillermo Nahúm López-Sánchez1, Luis Arturo Concha-Rebollar2

  • 1Traslational Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico.

Annals of Hepatology
|July 20, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to altered cerebral blood flow, indicated by changes in middle cerebral artery (MCA) and vertebral artery (VA) pulsatility index. This suggests subclinical vascular changes in NAFLD patients needing attention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular damage mechanisms including endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness.
  • Systemic inflammation and lipid metabolism dysregulation contribute to vascular damage in NAFLD.
  • Cerebral hemodynamics may be affected by NAFLD through shared pathophysiological pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between NAFLD and cerebral circulation function.
  • To assess systemic and cerebral hemodynamic changes in patients with NAFLD using Doppler ultrasound.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, cross-sectional, prospective, comparative study was conducted.
  • Thirty-five patients with neurological symptoms were consecutively selected.
  • Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate cerebral hemodynamics.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in the mean pulsatility index (PI) of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), left MCA, and left vertebral artery (VA) were observed between control and NAFLD groups.
  • Positive correlations were found between the right MCA PI, left MCA PI, and left VA PI with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), a marker of liver fat content.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals a subclinical process affecting the middle cerebral artery in individuals with NAFLD.
  • These findings suggest NAFLD may contribute to cerebral vascular disease development.
  • Early detection and management strategies for NAFLD are crucial to prevent potential liver and vascular complications.
Abstract