Burden Fatty Liver Among Acute Ischemic Cerebral Stroke Patients

Fatty liver disease, encompassing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants, is a growing health concern worldwide, with prevalence rates soaring in parallel with obesity and diabetes epidemics. The estimated global incidence of NAFLD alone is 47 cases per 1,000 people, with a higher rate observed in males than females. Among adults worldwide, the estimated prevalence of NAFLD is 32%, with a higher prevalence in males (40%) compared to females (26%), making it the most common liver disorder. The hazards of fatty liver disease extend beyond the liver itself .The condition is characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in liver cells, which can progress to more severe liver diseases, such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Early assessment and diagnosis of liver steatosis are crucial for managing and mitigating the risks associated with FLD. Non-invasive methods, such as elastography combined with the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score, have emerged as effective tools for detecting and quantifying liver fat content. These methods offer a less invasive alternative to liver biopsies, providing reliable data to guide clinical decisions.

NAFLD is characterized by a proinflammatory and proatherogenic state that causes vascular inflammation and neurodegeneration, potentially leading to both clinical and subclinical cerebrovascular disease. Increasing epidemiological evidence links NAFLD to a higher risk and greater severity of stroke, independent of other vascular risk factors.Additionally, studies suggest NAFLD is involved in subclinical cerebrovascular diseases, such as carotid atherosclerosis which is characterized by the build-up of plaques in the carotid arteries. Patients with NAFLD exhibited greater carotid atherosclerosis .