Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

A Three-Dimensional Digital Model for Early Diagnosis of Hepatic Fibrosis Based on Magnetic Resonance Elastography
06:09

A Three-Dimensional Digital Model for Early Diagnosis of Hepatic Fibrosis Based on Magnetic Resonance Elastography

Published on: July 21, 2023

Liver MRI and histological correlates in chronic liver disease on multiphase gadolinium-enhanced 3D gradient echo

Diego R Martin1, Thomas Lauenstein, Bobby Kalb

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Arizona School of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA. dmartin@radiology.arizona.edu

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|May 9, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Gadolinium-enhanced MRI shows delayed-phase enhancement patterns correlate with liver fibrosis severity in chronic liver disease (CLD). This imaging technique may quantify hepatic fibrosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Hepatology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Chronic liver disease (CLD) involves progressive fibrosis and inflammation.
  • Accurate staging of liver fibrosis is crucial for patient management and treatment decisions.
  • Non-invasive imaging biomarkers are needed to assess liver pathology severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate intrinsic hepatic enhancement patterns on multiphase, gadolinium-enhanced, fat-suppressed, 3D T1-weighted, gradient echo MRI.
  • To determine if these enhancement patterns quantitatively correlate with the severity of pathological changes in CLD.
  • To assess the utility of MRI in staging liver fibrosis and inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • 75 patients with CLD underwent contrast-enhanced multiphase abdominal MRI.
  • Liver biopsies provided histological correlation for fibrosis and inflammation staging (Scheuer system).
  • Delayed-phase and arterial-phase 3D gradient recalled echo (GRE) liver MRI were scored by three readers to quantify enhancement patterns.

Main Results:

  • High correlation was observed between delayed-phase MRI enhancement and liver fibrosis stage (r > 0.94, P < 10(-6)).
  • Correlation was lower for delayed-phase MRI versus inflammation, and arterial-phase MRI versus inflammation or fibrosis (CI ≤ 0.64).
  • Significant paired testing confirmed the association between delayed-phase MRI scores and incremental fibrosis stages (P < 10(-2) to P < 10(-5)).

Conclusions:

  • Standard gadolinium-enhanced liver MRI can provide a quantitative correlate for hepatic fibrosis.
  • Delayed-phase enhancement patterns show promise as a non-invasive biomarker for assessing fibrosis severity in CLD.
  • This MRI approach may aid in monitoring disease progression and treatment response.

More Related Videos

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease08:41

Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Published on: March 24, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Liver Histology01:27

Liver Histology

The microscopic anatomy of the liver is a complex and intricate system that comprises numerous structural units known as liver lobules, each of which is comparable in size to a sesame seed. These hexagonal structures consist of plates of liver cells or hepatocytes, which are characterized by their versatility and abundance of cellular apparatus like rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, and mitochondria.
Hepatocytes perform a variety of essential functions. They secrete...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:24

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
Gross Anatomy of the Liver01:17

Gross Anatomy of the Liver

The liver, the largest gland within the human body, is a firm and reddish-brown organ. This wedge-shaped structure weighs approximately 1.5 kg and occupies a significant portion of the right hypochondriac and epigastric regions. It extends more to the right of the body's midline than to the left.
Located under the diaphragm, the liver is almost entirely ensconced within the rib cage, providing it with substantial protection. Except for the superior most bare area, the liver's surface is covered...
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:27

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI01:21

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...