Magnetic Resonance Elastography – noninvasive method to assess liver disease

Abstract

Currently, liver disease is widespread and the awareness of these diseases is low. Early symptoms of liver disease do not necessarily indicate problems with this organ and patients are usually informed of their problems when the stage of the disease is already advanced. Invasive biopsies are the clinical diagnostic method most commonly used in the evaluation of liver disease. A biopsy is associated with a high risk of false results and additional complications. Finding new non-invasive imaging methods has led to the discovery of a new method called Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). This technique allows one to evaluate the mechanical properties of tissues and to distinguish between pathological states. Testing using this technique can be performed on a conventional magnetic resonance system by using few additional components and properly prepared software. Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between MRE-measured liver stiffness and the degree of fibrosis. MRE is also useful in characterizing liver tumors. Studies show that this technique is highly credible in both health volunteers and patients with liver fibrosis. MRE has tremendous diagnostic potential. The described technique is not currently widely used and has the potential to serve as a safe and accurate alternative in clinical diagnostics in the future.