FREQUENCY AND LOCAL HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF CAROTID LESIONS AMONG PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENT GRADES OF UNCOMPLICATED METABOLIC ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the prevalence of local hemodynamic effects of carotid lesions in adult patients with uncomplicated metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Radiology Department, Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, using a non-probability, consecutive sampling technique from November 2021 to April 2022. This study included 192 patients of either gender between 18-55 years of age with uncomplicated metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) according to study criteria. Then duplex ultrasound of carotid arteries was performed to assess the carotid lesions in the term of carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT), carotid plaque, carotid stenosis and peak systolic velocity (PSV).

Results: There were 89 (46.4%) males and 103 (53.6%) females with mean age of 42.18 ± 10.02 years. Out of 192 patients, 79 (41.1%) had mild fatty liver (Grade I), 72 (37.5%) had moderate fatty liver (Grade II) and 41(21.4%) had severe fatty liver (Grade III). Carotid lesions were present in 108 (56.2%) patients while 84 (43.8%) had no carotid stenosis. Increased CIMT and frequency of carotid plaque, carotid stenosis and PSV were noted in severe fatty liver.

Conclusion: The carotid lesions are highly prevalent in patients with uncomplicated metabolic associated fatty liver disease. Duplex ultrasound is a reliable and cost effective imaging modality to assess the CIMT which is considered as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Carotid lesions, Grades of fatty liver, Uncomplicated metabolic fatty liver disease, Urban, Ultrasound