Cardiac Abnormalities Pre- and Post-Liver Transplantation for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis – Evidence and Special Considerations

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has an alarmingly high global prevalence. Its progressive subtype, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is the leading indication for liver transplantation overall. Although MASLD has been associated with increased risk for several cardiac abnormalities including cardiac arrhythmias, structural disease, heart failure, valvular disease, and coronary artery disease, little is known about the clinical course and effects of these abnormalities in post-liver transplant patients with MASH as an etiology of their cirrhosis. This narrative review presents clinical and mechanistic evidence for the association of MASLD with the aforementioned cardiac abnormalities, as well as characterizes what is known about their significance in the post-operative period for those undergoing liver transplantation for MASH. Additionally, this review emphasizes knowledge gaps and highlights areas for further study of the impact of cardiac abnormalities in patients undergoing liver transplantation for MASH.