In vivo MR elastography of human liver

Chronic liver disease very often leads to liver fibrosis, the most common cause of chronic liver failure [1]. Early detection of fibrotic changes of the liver is therefore welcome to initiate treatment at the earliest possible time point. Among non-invasive diagnostic modalities [2,3] MR elastography (MRE) is an emerging technique that may be suitable for evaluation of fibrotic changes of the liver.

Current developments of MR elastography of human liver are based on spin-echo MRI, EPI or balanced SSFP-sequences combined with different ways of wave generation by electromagnetic coils or pneumatic drivers [11]. This planar and fractional MRE approach is capable of providing viscoelastic parameters within a few breath-holds.

The proposed fractional bSSFP-MRE was successfully applied for measuring in vivo shear stiffness of human liver. The combination of axial vibrations introduced into the liver below the right costal arch and a transverse image slice through the center of the liver allowed the reconstruction of elasticity from planar waves. Strain waves in the liver are encoded using fractional MRE with a vibration frequency of 51 Hz tuned to 1/(2TR). The MRE signal in the liver is fast sampled with a balanced gradient scheme that incorporates a single bipolar gradient pair for motion sensitization. This technique allowed the acquisition of 20 time-resolved wave images within 4 breath-holds of 17 sec each. Repetition of the protocol in the same volunteer showed good reproducibility. The stiffness of liver varied significantly among healthy male volunteers.

References

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