Global epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: 2026 update

Figure 3 Non-invasive tests for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease screening and surveillance. This framework summarizes the clinical applications, limitations, and future directions of non-invasive tests for metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease. Established approaches, including serum-based fibrosis scores and imaging-based assessments, have been incorporated into current clinical pathways for risk stratification and fibrosis assessment. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence-assisted ultrasound, three-dimensional volumetric imaging, and electronic health record-integrated risk assessment, show potential for improving case identification and personalized management but require further validation before broader clinical implementation. The diagnostic performance and clinical utility of each approach depend on the target condition, patient population, technical characteristics, and clinical setting. VCTE: Vibration-controlled transient elastography; MRE: Magnetic resonance elastography; EHR: Electronic health record; BMI: Body mass index; AI: Artificial intelligence; 3D: Three-dimensional.