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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Hepatic Fibrosis Diagnosis Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography and AI
Published on: July 21, 2023
Magnetic resonance T1ρ relaxation in patients with liver fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xiaoyu Liu1,2, Yinzhong Wang2, Caihua Xu3
1Lanzhou University, Department of First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou, China.
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T1ρ relaxation in distinguishing patients with liver fibrosis (LF) from those without.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases up to February 2025 to identify studies assessing T1ρ for LF diagnosis.
Results:
Eleven studies involving 792 patients were included. T1ρ values were significantly higher in cirrhotic versus normal livers [weighted mean difference (WMD): 6.69, P < 0.001], and in fibrotic versus normal livers (WMD: 7.17, P = 0.006). Patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C showed significantly higher T1ρ values compared with normal liver (P < 0.001). T1ρ values in LF stages F1-F3 were not significantly different from normal liver (P = 0.18), but stage F4 showed significant differences (WMD: 10.48, P = 0.02).
Conclusion:
T1ρ relaxation differentiates high-grade LF from normal liver tissue.
Clinical Significance:
As a non-invasive imaging technique, T1ρ shows potential for use in the diagnosis and follow-up of LF and to optimize the assessment and management of chronic liver disease.
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