Harnessing AI-driven approaches for detecting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, assessing fibrosis, and stratifying hepatocellular carcinoma risk: a scoping review - Report - MDSpire

Harnessing AI-driven approaches for detecting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, assessing fibrosis, and stratifying hepatocellular carcinoma risk: a scoping review

  • By

  • Anvitha Nagaraj Sharma

  • Hima Bhagavatula

  • Michael T. Mapundu

  • Emile R. Chimusa

  • July 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Utilizing AI for Metabolic Dysfunction-Related Liver Disease

Overview

This review discusses the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) in identifying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and assessing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It highlights the need for integrated models and further validation.

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a leading chronic liver disorder globally, affecting approximately 25% of adults. The disease is closely linked to metabolic syndrome and can progress to severe conditions such as HCC. Current diagnostic tools are limited in their predictive accuracy for disease progression and HCC risk.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • AI and ML models show promise in improving non-invasive diagnosis and risk stratification for MASLD and HCC.
  • Multimodal models integrating clinical, imaging, and genetic data outperform traditional diagnostic methods.
  • There is a critical need for large-scale validation studies to support the clinical application of AI-driven approaches.
  • Genetic variants significantly influence disease severity and HCC risk, but genetic risk alone is insufficient due to disease heterogeneity.
  • Challenges in translating AI methodologies into clinical practice include poor genetic integration and limited explainability.

Clinical Implications

The integration of AI and PRS in clinical settings requires addressing current limitations in validation and standardization.

Conclusion

Advancements in AI and PRS for predicting HCC risk in MASLD highlight the need for further validation and integration into clinical practice.

Related Resources & Content

  1. npj Digital Medicine, 2026 -- Combining Multi-Omics Approaches with Machine Learning to Unravel Cellular Diversity and Fibrotic Regulatory Pathways in the Transition from MASLD to MASH
  2. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2017 -- Approaches for Diagnosing and Monitoring Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using Invasive and Noninvasive Techniques
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- Utilizing Machine Learning for the Discovery of Biomarkers Aiding in the Early Detection of Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
  4. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- The translational paradox of AI in hepatocellular carcinoma: from algorithmic over-engineering to real-world clinical utility
  5. American Gastroenterological Association -- Introducing AGA’s new MASLD clinical care pathway
  6. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, 2025
  7. Artificial Intelligence for Fibrosis Diagnosis in Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review - PubMed
  8. Introducing AGA’s new MASLD clinical care pathway - American Gastroenterological Association
  9. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma
  10. Artificial Intelligence for Fibrosis Diagnosis in Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review - PubMed

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