Systematic review with meta-analysis: Steatosis severity and subclinical atherosclerosis in metabolic...

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent liver condition recognised as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is ongoing debate regarding the effective strategy for cardiovascular risk assessment in MASLD.

To investigate the relationship between liver imaging, specifically focusing on the severity of steatosis and subclinical atherosclerosis.

We conducted a thorough search across four databases, from 1950 to April 2023, to identify eligible studies employing imaging to explore the relationship between different degrees of steatosis and subclinical atherosclerosis among MASLD. Additionally, we conducted a quality assessment using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, performed a meta-analysis employing the DerSimonian-Liard random-effects model, and conducted subgroup analyses for validation.

In total, 19 studies, encompassing 147,411 middle-aged individuals without previous CVD (74.94% male; mean age 45.53 years [SD 10.69]; mean BMI 24.3 kg/m² [SD 3.35]), were included. The pooled odds ratio for subclinical atherosclerosis was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.13-1.41, I²  = 76.68%) in mild steatosis and significantly increased to 1.68 (95% CI: 1.41-2.00, I²  = 89.02%) in moderate to severe steatosis. Sensitivity analysis, focusing on high-quality studies, consistently supported this finding and the results remained robust across subgroup analyses. Furthermore, meta-regression revealed that a higher mean AST and ALT, alongside a lower mean HDL, were significant moderators of this association.

Even mild steatosis is associated with CVD risk, and steatosis severity further intensifies this association. These findings suggest that liver fat quantification enhances CVD risk stratification in patients with MASLD.