Association between metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty pancreatic disease (NAFPD) among Egyptian patients

Abstract Background Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty pancreatic disease (NAFPD) are increasingly recognized as components of metabolic syndrome, sharing common risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms. Understanding their association can enhance early detection and management strategies. Our study aims to assess the association between MAFLD and NAFPD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 72 adult cases with sonographically confirmed MAFLD. All participants underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory testing (including glycemic and lipid profiles, liver and pancreatic enzymes), and imaging studies (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) pancreas protocol). Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) were calculated for all cases. Based on CT findings, cases were categorized into normal pancreas ( n = 28) and fatty pancreas groups ( n = 44). Results Patients with fatty pancreas were significantly older (54 ± 10 vs. 39 ± 12 years, p < 0.001), had higher body mass index (BMI) (33.4 ± 4.52 vs. 30.06 ± 5.18, p = 0.005), and more frequent diabetes (70.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.0001) and hypertension (47.7% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.001) than those with normal pancreas. They also had higher triglycerides (195.45 ± 86.99 vs. 140.07 ± 63.55, p = 0.005), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (38.25 ± 12.19 vs. 44.96 ± 8.73, p = 0.014), higher FLI scores (78 ± 15.15 vs. 60.14 ± 24.32, p < 0.001), and more advanced fibrosis (15.9% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.003). Conclusions NAFPD is associated with MAFLD and worsened metabolic and hepatic profiles. Their coexistence underscores the need for comprehensive metabolic assessment in affected cases.