Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Overview

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to fat accumulation in the liver not related to alcohol consumption. Fat may accumulate as a result of obesity, diabetes or other conditions. In a small number of people, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progresses to liver inflammation, scarring and, eventually, liver failure. This serious form of the disease is sometimes called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (stee-ah-toe-hep-ah-TIE-tis). NAFLD is a growing problem worldwide, affecting people of every age. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is currently the fastest-rising indicator for liver transplant.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic researchers first identified this disease in 1980. Liver specialists (hepatologists) care for more than 2,000 adults and children who have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis each year.
• Coordinated care. A team of experts works together to efficiently identify the best medical options and choose appropriate treatment plans for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Your team can include hepatologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, pediatric specialists and other specialists. Consultations with doctors, testing and treatment can usually be done in a single visit, lasting several days.
• Surgical expertise. Experienced Mayo Clinic surgeons perform hundreds of bariatric (weight reduction) surgeries every year for severely obese people, many of whom have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. If a liver transplant is needed, Mayo Clinic has the largest liver transplant program in the U.S.
• Innovation. Mayo Clinic scientists invented a new way of measuring liver scarring without a liver biopsy. Magnetic resonance elastography does not require needles or exposure to X-rays.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn more about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease at MayoClinic.com.