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Narrative review of magnetic resonance imaging in quantifying liver iron load
Qing Feng1, Jixing Yi1, Tao Li1
1Department of Radiology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, Liuzhou, China.
Objective:
To summarize the research progress of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in quantifying liver iron load.
Methods:
To summarize the current status and progress of MRI technology in the quantitative study of liver iron load through reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad.
Results:
Different MRI sequence examination techniques have formed a series of non-invasive methods for the examination of liver iron load. These techniques have important clinical significance in the imaging diagnosis of liver iron load. So far, the main MRI methods used to assess liver iron load are: signal intensity measurement method (signal intensity, SI) [signal intensity ratio (SIR) and difference in in-phase and out-of-phase signal intensity], T2/R2 measurement (such as FerriScan technique), ultra-short echo time (UTE) imaging technique, and susceptibility weighted imaging (including conventional susceptibility weighted imaging) (SWI), quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), T2*/R2* measurement, Dixon and its derivative techniques.
Conclusion:
MRI has become the first choice for the non-invasive examination of liver iron overload, and it is helpful to improve the early detection of liver injury, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by liver iron overload.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers non-invasive methods for quantifying liver iron load. These advanced MRI techniques aid in early detection of liver damage and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Liver iron overload is a serious condition requiring accurate assessment.
- Non-invasive methods are crucial for monitoring and managing iron overload.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements in MRI for quantifying liver iron load.
- To highlight the clinical significance of MRI in diagnosing liver iron overload.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of domestic and international research on MRI for liver iron load.
- Analysis of various MRI sequences and techniques used for quantification.
Main Results:
- Multiple MRI techniques, including signal intensity measurement, T2/R2, UTE, SWI, QSM, and Dixon methods, are effective for liver iron load assessment.
- These non-invasive MRI methods are clinically significant for diagnosing liver iron load.
Conclusions:
- MRI is the preferred non-invasive method for examining liver iron overload.
- Early detection of liver injury, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer is improved with MRI.
