Description

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major public health concern in Thailand, with a high prevalence among individuals undergoing health evaluations. MASLD is closely associated with metabolic abnormalities and is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although MASLD primarily affects the liver, multiple studies have shown that CVD is the leading cause of mortality in this population. Contributing mechanisms include insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherogenic dyslipidemia.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, obtained through non-contrast cardiac CT, is a validated tool for detecting subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and predicting future cardiovascular events. Commonly used cardiovascular risk calculators-such as the Framingham Risk Score, ASCVD Risk Estimator, and UKPDS risk engine-were developed in Western populations and may not accurately reflect cardiovascular risk in Asian or Thai patients.

This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular risk assessment tools and CAC scores in Thai patients diagnosed with MASLD. Clinical data, metabolic parameters, liver disease severity, and CAC scores will be analyzed to determine how well existing risk calculators correlate with coronary calcification in this population. The findings may support improved cardiovascular risk stratification and help identify MASLD patients who may benefit from early cardiovascular evaluation.