American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (AASLD/NASPGHAN) Course, Part 1—Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Navigating Fontan-Associated Liver Disease
Hepatology, cardiology, and transplant medicine experts discuss the pathophysiology, clinical management, and long-term outcomes of Fontan-associated liver disease. The symposium highlights emerging research, diagnostic advancements, and multidisciplinary approaches to improve surveillance, treatment, and transplant decision-making for this unique patient population. Audience members learn from persuasive arguments by transplant surgeons regarding the options of isolated heart transplant versus combined heart-liver transplant for pediatric patients with Fontan failure. Attendees participate in this discussion by questioning presenters and voting how they would handle a challenging clinical case in light of the information presented.
Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Spectrum of Disease, Screening, and Biomarkers
Chaowapong Jarasvaraparn, MD
, Presenter
Pediatrics
8:15 AM
- 8:30 AM
Nov
10
2025
Washington, D.C.
Overview of Clinical Management of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: Integrating Cardiology and Hepatology for Optimal Management and Surveillance
Jordan S Sack, MD, MPH
, Presenter
Pediatrics
8:30 AM
- 8:45 AM
Nov
10
2025
Washington, D.C.
Advances in Imaging Techniques in Fontan-Associated Liver Disease
Jonathan R Dillman, MD, MSc
, Presenter
Pediatrics
8:45 AM
- 8:57 AM
Nov
10
2025
Washington, D.C.
Pro: Arguing the Case for Combined Heart-Liver Transplant in Children and Young Adults
Daniel Ganger, MD, FAASLD
, Presenter
Pediatrics
8:57 AM
- 9:09 AM
Nov
10
2025
Washington, D.C.
Con: Arguing the Case for Isolated Heart Transplant in Fontan-Associated Liver Disease in Children and Young Adults
Ryan Fischer, MD
, Presenter
Pediatrics
9:09 AM
- 9:14 AM
Nov
10
2025
Washington, D.C.
Rebuttal
Daniel Ganger, MD, FAASLD
, Presenter
Pediatrics
9:14 AM
- 9:19 AM
Nov
10
2025
Washington, D.C.
Rebuttal
Ryan Fischer, MD
, Presenter
Pediatrics
Objectives
Describe the pathophysiology and natural history of Fontan physiology.
Discuss screening, surveillance, diagnosis, and management strategies for the spectrum of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD).
Review current and emerging diagnostic tools for FALD severity stratification.
Summarize the risks/benefits and medical/surgical decision-making regarding the roles of isolated heart transplantation versus combined heart-liver transplant in Fontan failure.