Necip NAS, Semih SAĞLIK
Cerrahpaşa Medical Journal - 2026;50(1):1-6
Objective: Given the strong correlation between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and elevated cardiovascular risk, this study sought to investigate how hepatic steatosis influences subclinical atherosclerosis in a young patient cohort by assessing carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Methods: The study involved 108 patients (aged 18-45 years) diagnosed with hepatic steatosis via ultrasonography and 36 healthy controls, recruited between April 2023 and September 2025. Results: Findings revealed that CIMT values were notably higher in the MAFLD group compared to the control group (0.67 +/- 0.15 mm vs. 0.54 +/- 0.13 mm; P < .05). Patients with MAFLD exhibited significantly higher body mass index, triglyceride levels, and liver dimensions, alongside reduced HDL cholesterol. A strong positive correlation was identified between CIMT and liver size (r = 0.639; P < .05). Furthermore, CIMT values tended to increase with higher grades of hepatic steatosis; however, the difference between grade 1 and grade 2/3 steatosis was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In young patients with MAFLD, both the presence and the degree of hepatic steatosis are closely linked to subclinical atherosclerosis. Consequently, CIMT measurements represent a valuable, noninvasive approach for early cardiovascular risk stratification in this demographic.
