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Updated: May 26, 2026
A 3D Quantification Technique for Liver Fat Fraction Distribution Analysis Using Dixon Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: October 20, 2023
Diffusion-weighted MRI of fatty liver
Ahmet K Poyraz1, Mehmet R Onur, Ercan Kocakoç
1Firat University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Turkey. akursadpoyraz@yahoo.com.tr
Purpose:
To investigate the effect of fat infiltration on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of liver, and assess the relationship between ADC and hepatic fat fraction (HFF).
Materials And Methods:
MRI scans of 120 consecutive patients were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 42 patients were included in the fatty liver group and 78 in the control group. ADC values were measured from a pair of diffusion-weighted (DW) images (b = 0 mm(2) /s and 1000 mm(2) /s). HFFs were measured using T1W GRE dual-echo images. The difference between the ADCs of the two groups was assessed with the t-test. The relationship between HFF and ADC was determined using linear regression analysis and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).
Results:
Mean HFFs were 0.85 ± 2.86 and 13.67 ± 8.62 in the control and fatty liver groups, respectively. The mean ADC of fatty liver group 1.20 ± 0.22 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s was significantly lower than that of the control group 1.32 ± 0.23 × 10(-3) mm(2) /s (P = 0.02). Linear regression analysis revealed an inverse relationship between ADC and HFF (r = -0.39, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
ADC significantly decreases in patients with >5% HFF, and ADC and HFF exhibit an inverse relationship.
Insights
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the liver decreases with increased hepatic fat fraction (HFF). This study found a significant inverse relationship between liver ADC and HFF in patients with fatty liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Fatty liver disease is a growing health concern.
- Accurate non-invasive assessment of liver fat is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers advanced techniques for liver tissue characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of hepatic fat infiltration on liver apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).
- To evaluate the correlation between liver ADC and hepatic fat fraction (HFF).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MRI scans from 120 patients (42 fatty liver, 78 control).
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured from diffusion-weighted images.
- Hepatic fat fraction (HFF) quantified using T1W GRE dual-echo sequences.
- Statistical analysis included t-tests, linear regression, and Pearson correlation.
Main Results:
- Patients with fatty liver exhibited significantly lower mean ADC values compared to controls (1.20 vs. 1.32 × 10(-3) mm(2)/s, P=0.02).
- A significant inverse relationship was observed between HFF and ADC (r = -0.39, P < 0.0001).
- Mean HFF was substantially higher in the fatty liver group (13.67%) than in the control group (0.85%).
Conclusions:
- Liver ADC is significantly reduced in individuals with elevated hepatic fat fraction (>5%).
- A strong inverse correlation exists between liver ADC and HFF, suggesting ADC as a potential biomarker for fatty liver.
- MRI-based ADC measurements provide valuable insights into liver fat content.
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