NAFLD vs NASH: Where Elastography Fits

Elastography is great for estimating fibrosis and steatosis, but it doesn’t diagnose NASH on its own.

Definitions

• NAFLD: Hepatic steatosis without secondary causes (alcohol, medications, etc.).
• NASH: Steatosis plus lobular inflammation and hepatocyte injury (ballooning) — histologic diagnosis.

Role of Elastography

• kPa estimates fibrosis burden.
• CAP/UAP estimate steatosis, not inflammation.
• Helps triage who may benefit from hepatology referral or biopsy.

Putting Results in Context

• Combine with metabolic risk factors (obesity, T2DM), ALT/AST, platelets, FIB-4, and imaging.
• High kPa with abnormal labs and risk factors may suggest advanced disease despite CAP.
• Low kPa can help rule out significant fibrosis in low-risk settings.

How FibroAI Helps

We provide structured narratives that clearly communicate what elastography can and cannot tell you, reducing ambiguity for patients and clinicians.