Magnetic resonance elastography for the prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess liver fibrosis.
• The association between MRE-derived liver stiffness and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between MRE-based liver stiffness and the risk of HCC development in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
• To evaluate the utility of MRE for early HCC prediction in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 504 patients with chronic hepatitis B undergoing MRE was analyzed.
• Cross-sectional analysis compared liver stiffness between patients with and without HCC.
• Longitudinal analysis assessed the cumulative incidence of HCC based on liver stiffness thresholds.

Main Results:

• Patients with current or past HCC had significantly higher MRE liver stiffness (3.68 kPa) compared to those without HCC (2.60 kPa) (P < 0.001).
• In patients without HCC, a liver stiffness of ≥3.6 kPa was associated with a significantly higher 5-year cumulative HCC incidence (22.9%) compared to <3.6 kPa (1.5%) (P < 0.001).
• MRE-derived liver stiffness (per 1 kPa or ≥3.6 kPa) was an independent predictor of HCC development (aHR 1.61 or 8.22).

Conclusions:

• MRE-based liver stiffness is a significant predictor of HCC risk in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
• MRE measurements can aid in the early prediction of HCC development.
• MRE findings may assist in determining the appropriate timing for treatment interventions.