Gastroenterology
Volume 123, Issue 5 , Pages 1705-1725, November 2002

AGA technical review on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease☆☆

Department of Internal Medicine Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia Richmond, Virginia

Abstract 

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of conditions characterized histologically by mainly macrovesicular hepatic steatosis and occurs in those who do not consume alcohol in amounts generally considered to be harmful to the liver. There are 2 histologic patterns of NAFLD: fatty liver alone and steatohepatitis. NAFLD is an increasingly recognized cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. In this review, the existing literature regarding the nomenclature, clinical and histologic spectrum, natural history, diagnosis, and management of this condition are discussed.

GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:1705-1725

 

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☆☆ This literature review and the recommendations therein were prepared for the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Committee and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Practice Guidelines Committee. The paper was approved by the Clinical Practice Committee on March 3, 2002, and by the AGA Governing Board on May 19, 2002. It was approved by the AASLD Governing Board and AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee on May 24, 2002.

PII: S0016-5085(02)00304-9

Gastroenterology
Volume 123, Issue 5 , Pages 1705-1725, November 2002