Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancing Hepatic Fibrosis Diagnosis Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography and AI
Published on: July 21, 2023
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MR Imaging for Staging of Hepatic Fibrosis
Bin Zhang1,2, Long Liang1,2, Yuhao Dong1
1Department of Radiology, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences/Guangdong General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
Objectives:
To determine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging for staging of hepatic fibrosis (HF).
Methods:
We searched PubMed and EMBASE from their inception to 31 July 2015 to select studies reporting IVIM MR imaging and HF staging. We defined F1-2 as non-advanced HF, F3-4 as advanced HF, F0 as normal liver, F1 as very early HF, and F2-4 as significant HF. Then we compared stage F0 with F1, F0-1 with F2-3, and F1-2 with F3-4 using IVIM-derived parameters (pseudo-diffusion coefficient D*, perfusion fraction f, and pure molecular diffusion parameter D). The effect estimate was expressed as a pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), using the fixed-effects model.
Results:
Overall, we included six papers (406 patients) in this study. Significant differences in D* were observed between F0 and F1, F0-1 and F2-3, and F1-2 and F3-4 (WMD 2.46, 95% CI 0.83-4.09, P = 0.006; WMD 13.10, 95% CI 9.53-16.67, P < 0.001; WMD 14.34, 95% CI 10.26-18.42, P < 0.001, respectively). Significant differences in f were also found between F0 and F1, F0-1 and F2-3, and F1-2 and F3-4 (WMD 1.62, 95% CI 0.06-3.18, P = 0.027; WMD 5.63, 95% CI 2.74-8.52, P < 0.001; WMD 3.30, 95% CI 2.10-4.50, P < 0.001, respectively). However, D showed no differences between F0 and F1, F0-1 and F2-3, and F1-2 and F3-4 (WMD 0.05, 95% CI -0.01─0.11, P = 0.105; WMD 0.04, 95% CI -0.01─0.10, P = 0.230; WMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.02─0.06, P = 0.378, respectively).
Conclusions:
IVIM MR imaging provides an effective method of staging HF and can distinguish early HF from normal liver, significant HF from normal liver or very early HF, and advanced HF from non-advanced HF.
Insights
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging effectively stages hepatic fibrosis (HF). IVIM parameters distinguish normal liver from early, significant, and advanced HF, aiding in disease assessment.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatic fibrosis (HF) staging is crucial for patient management.
- Accurate non-invasive methods for HF staging are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) MR imaging for staging hepatic fibrosis (HF).
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using IVIM MR imaging for HF staging.
- Comparison of IVIM-derived parameters (D*, f, D) across different fibrosis stages (F0-F4).
- Pooled weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*) and perfusion fraction (f) were observed between various HF stages.
- D* and f effectively differentiated normal liver from early HF, significant HF from normal/early HF, and advanced HF from non-advanced HF.
- Pure molecular diffusion parameter (D) did not show significant differences across HF stages.
Conclusions:
- IVIM MR imaging is a promising tool for non-invasive hepatic fibrosis staging.
- IVIM parameters D* and f can effectively distinguish between different stages of liver fibrosis.
- This technique aids in differentiating early, significant, and advanced hepatic fibrosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...