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Rapid MR elastography of the liver for subsecond stiffness sampling
Matthias Anders1, Tom Meyer1, Carsten Warmuth1
1Department of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
|September 14, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a faster MR elastography (MRE) technique for liver stiffness assessment. The improved MRE allows real-time monitoring of respiration-induced stiffness changes, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biophysics
- Diagnostic Technology
Background:
- Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) assesses biological soft tissue stiffness.
- Current MRE techniques have limitations in temporal resolution for dynamic processes.
- Improving temporal resolution is crucial for real-time feedback and monitoring physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the temporal resolution of 2D hepatic MRE.
- To enable rapid feedback on wavefield quality.
- To improve temporal sampling of respiration-induced stiffness variations in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Developed a rapid MRE sequence using 2D segmented gradient-echo spiral readout.
- Encoded 40 Hz harmonic vibrations for stiffness mapping within 625 ms.
- Validated the technique against 3D MRE and ultrasound elastography for monitoring liver stiffness changes.
Main Results:
- Subsecond MRE successfully monitored increasing shear wave amplitudes with external stimulation.
- Respiration-induced liver stiffness changes were detected, with peak stiffness at end-inspiration.
- Stiffness variations correlated with breathing phases and were confirmed by time-harmonic elastography.
Conclusions:
- Subsecond MRE of the liver provides a valuable tool for quality control of MRE driver settings.
- The technique enables near real-time monitoring of breathing-induced liver stiffness fluctuations.
- This advancement offers potential for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient monitoring.
