Annals of hepatology

1665-26812932024May-JunAnnals of hepatologyAnn HepatolOccult liver disease: A multinational perspective.10148010148010.1016/j.aohep.2024.101480S1665-2681(24)00274-6Occult liver disease refers to the presence of unrecognized chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Liver disease is currently the eleventh cause of death globally, representing 4% of all deaths in the world. Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of cirrhosis globally, accounting for approximately 60% of cases. The estimated global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is 32.4% and has been steadily increasing over the last years. Viral hepatitis B and C accounted for 1.3 million deaths in 2020. Several studies in populations at high risk of chronic liver disease (elevated liver enzymes, type 2 diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption) have found an elevated prevalence of occult liver disease. Attempts should be made to assess the prevalence of occult liver disease in Latin America, a region with one of the highest rates of metabolic diseases and excessive alcohol consumption. Screening for NAFLD in high-risk subjects and screening for excessive drinking and alcohol use disorders at every level of medical care is relevant. Efforts should also focus on the early treatment of occult liver disease to try to reduce liver disease burden and, in the case of occult viral hepatitis infection, prevent further spreading.Copyright © 2024 Fundación Clínica Médica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.Vidal-CevallosPaulinaPObesity and Digestive Disease Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, Toriello Guerra, 14050, Mexico City, Mexico.Flores-GarcíaNayelliNDepartment of Gastroenterology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.Chávez-TapiaNorberto CNCObesity and Digestive Disease Unit, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Puente de Piedra 150, Toriello Guerra, 14050, Mexico City, Mexico. Electronic address: nchavezt@medicasur.org.mx.ChalasaniNaga PNPDivision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Electronic address: nchalasa@iu.edu.engJournal Article20240212