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

Description

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.

 

Journey Maps

Presentations

8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Nov 10 2025
Washington, D.C.

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.
Chair

Debora Kogan-Liberman, MD

Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone