Evaluation of Subclinical and Clinical Manifestations of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Metabolic Dysfuncti̇on -Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Abstract

Fatty liver disease (FLD) associated with metabolic dysfunction is one of the most common metabolic pathologies worldwide, and in recent years its close association with cardiovascular disease has been demonstrated. FLD is not only a liver disease, but also a multisystem pathology associated with systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and accelerated atherosclerosis.
To evaluate the clinical features of early (increased carotid intima-media thickness, endothelial dysfunction) and late (regional myocardial hypokinesis, coronary artery stenosis) signs of atherosclerosis in patients with CKD.
The study included 63 patients examined at the Shirvan Central City Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups based on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT): normal CIMT (<0.9 mm; n=30) and elevated CIMT (≥0.9 mm; n=33). The evaluation included anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, echocardiographic parameters, epicardial fat thickness, and the degree of hepatosteatosis based on abdominal ultrasound.
Age was higher in the group with elevated TIMCA, serving as an independent predictor of elevated TIMCA (OR≈1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.15; p < 0.01). LDL and triglyceride levels were relatively higher in the group with elevated TIMCA. A positive correlation was found between the degree of hepatosteatosis and epicardial fat thickness. Epicardial fat thickness was higher in patients with regional myocardial hypokinesia.
FLD is significantly associated with both early and late symptoms of atherosclerosis. A combined assessment of TIMCA, epicardial fat thickness, and hepatic steatosis may be useful for the early identification of high-risk patients.