Plaikner M, Kremser C, Viveiros A, Zoller H, Henninger B. [Magnetic resonance elastography of the liver : Worth knowing for clinical routine].
Radiologe 2020;
60:966-978. [PMID:
32399783 DOI:
10.1007/s00117-020-00690-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive, quantitative, MRI-based method to evaluate liver stiffness. Beside biopsy and ultrasound elastography, this imaging method plays in many places a significant role in the detection and additive characterization of chronic liver disease.
OBJECTIVES, MATERIALS AND METHODS
Based on the literature, a brief review of the underlying method and the commercially available products is given. Furthermore, the practical procedure, the analysis, and the interpretation of clinically relevant questions are illustrated and a comparison with ultrasound elastography is provided.
RESULTS
This relative "young" MRI method allows extensive evaluation of mechanical properties of the liver and is an important diagnostic tool especially in follow-up examinations. The MRE of the liver is with a maximum technical failure rate of 5.8% a robust technique with high accuracy and an excellent re-test reliability as well as intra- and interobserver reproducibility. There is a high diagnostic certainty within the framework of most important clinical indications, the quantification of fibrosis, and with a very good correlation with the "gold standard" biopsy.
CONCLUSION
Based on its rising clinical relevance and the broad usage, MRE of the liver is increasingly used in many centers and in routine liver protocols. Therefore, basic knowledge of this method is essential for every radiologist.
Collapse