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
Juliet Emamaullee, MD, PhD, 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
Juliet Emamaullee, MD, PhD, 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.