MR elastography: Principles, guidelines, and terminology.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Quantitative MRI

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive MRI technique measuring mechanical properties like shear modulus.
• MRE is increasingly vital for liver fibrosis diagnosis and staging, with expanding clinical uses.
• Inconsistent terminology and methods across studies cause confusion in MRE interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify MRE terminology and concepts for broader understanding.
• To establish "good practices" for MRE practitioners.
• To identify areas for standardizing MRE nomenclature and methodology.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing MRE literature and practices.
• Development of standardized terminology and definitions by the MRE Guidelines Committee.
• Focus on phase contrast-based MRI principles for mechanical wave analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified significant variability in MRE acquisition, processing, and reporting.
• Highlighted the need for clear, consistent nomenclature to improve MRE reproducibility.
• Established a foundation for standardized MRE guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Standardizing MRE terminology and practices is crucial for reducing clinical confusion.
• Adoption of common guidelines will enhance MRE's reliability and clinical utility.
• This work provides a framework for future MRE standardization efforts.