ABSTRACT
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the accumulation of fat (mainly triglycerides) in hepatocytes that results from insulin resistance. NAFLD is recognized as the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world. NAFLD encompasses a wide spectrum of disease from bland hepatic steatosis, which is generally benign, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Hence, distinguishing between hepatic steatosis and NASH has important prognostic and management implications.
