Novel multiparametric MRI detects improved future liver remnant quality post-dual vein embolization

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Hepatology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Optimizing future liver remnant (FLR) is critical for successful extended liver resections.
• Quantitative multiparametric MRI assesses FLR quality before and after interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of dual vein embolization (DVE) on FLR volume and quality using quantitative multiparametric MRI.
• To assess improvements in liver fibro-inflammation and fat content post-DVE.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with insufficient FLR underwent quantitative multiparametric MRI pre- and post-DVE (right portal and hepatic veins).
• FLR volume, corrected T1 (cT1) scores for fibro-inflammation, and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) were measured.
• Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Main Results:

• Uncomplicated DVE led to significant improvements in FLR health.
• Median cT1 scores decreased from 790 ms to 741 ms (p=0.014), and PDFF decreased from 11% to 3% (p=0.017).
• Median FLR volume significantly increased from 33% to 49% (p=0.002).

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive, reproducible MRI demonstrates improved FLR volume and quality after DVE.
• This represents a significant advancement in preventing liver failure after major liver surgery.