[Diagnostic approach for metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease]

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a systemic disease affecting the liver. The diagnostic approach consists of the identification of hepatic steatosis, the exclusion of other causes of steatosis and the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis. Comorbidities (obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, sleep apnea syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, endocrinopathies) must be evaluated and managed when diagnosis of MASLD is made. Simple tests (FIB-4, liver stiffness) mainly allow to differentiate between steatosis and steatohepatitis to define a simplified follow-up by the general practitioner or a specialized multidisciplinary follow-up. The increasing morbidity and mortality linked to MASLD justifies its screening, confirmation of the diagnosis, evaluation of the severity of the liver disease and monitoring according to the stage of the disease.