Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Retinal Vascular Disorders in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Introduction: In this study we examined the association between the type of liver histology, value of carotid intima-media thickness and retinal vascular disorders in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
Material and method: We correlated the type of liver histology in 12 Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease patients with the measurements of carotid intima-media thickness evaluated by ultrasonography and the retinal vessel changes which were observed on retinal photography.
Results: The incidence of NAFLD was more increased in women (58.33%) than in men (41.66%). Dyslipidemia was detected in all 12 patients. The values of ALT were more increased than the one of ASAT. Moreover, the severity of liver findings and the degree of steatosis, necroinflammation or fibrosis were associated with the increase of carotid IMT and the occurrence of retinal vascular disorders (p<0.001 for all).
Conclusions: The results suggest that the type of liver histology is associated to the value of IMT and moreover to the incidence of retinal vascular disorders. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm the results.