1
|
Sun Z, Chen G. Impact of heterogeneity in liver matrix and intrahepatic cells on the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Tissue Cell 2024; 91:102559. [PMID: 39293139 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a disease with a high prevalence worldwide. The development of hepatic fibrosis results from a combination of factors within the liver, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, collagen cross-linking, and inflammatory response. Heterogeneity in fibrotic liver is the result of a combination of heterogeneity in the intrahepatic microenvironment as well as heterogeneous expression of fibrosis-associated enzymes and cells, complicating the study of the mechanisms underlying the progression of liver fibrosis. The role of this heterogeneity on the crosstalk between cells and matrix and on the fibrotic process is worth exploring. In this paper, we will describe the phenomenon and mechanism of heterogeneity of liver matrix and intrahepatic cells in the process of hepatic fibrosis and discuss the crosstalk between heterogeneous factors on the development of fibrosis. The elucidation of heterogeneity is important for a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of liver fibrosis as well as for clinical diagnosis and targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongtao Sun
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Guobao Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Wu Z, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Yin M, Ehman RL, Yuan Y, Song B. Apparent diffusion coefficient and tissue stiffness are associated with different tumor microenvironment features of hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00330-024-10743-2. [PMID: 38767658 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10743-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between tissue diffusion, stiffness, and different tumor microenvironment features in resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Seventy-two patients were prospectively included for preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging and MR elastography examination. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and stiffness value were measured on the central three slices of the tumor and peri-tumor area. Cell density, tumor-stroma ratio (TSR), lymphocyte-rich HCC (LR-HCC), and CD8 + T cell infiltration were estimated in resected tumors. The interobserver agreement of MRI measurements and subjective pathological evaluation was assessed. Variables influencing ADC and stiffness were screened with univariate analyses, and then identified with multivariable linear regression. The potential relationship between explored imaging biomarkers and histopathological features was assessed with linear regression after adjustment for other influencing factors. RESULTS Seventy-two patients (male/female: 59/13, mean age: 56 ± 10.2 years) were included for analysis. Inter-reader agreement was good or excellent regarding MRI measurements and histopathological evaluation. No correlation between tumor ADC and tumor stiffness was found. Multivariable linear regression confirmed that cell density was the only factor associated with tumor ADC (Estimate = -0.03, p = 0.006), and tumor-stroma ratio was the only factor associated with tumor stiffness (Estimate = -0.18, p = 0.03). After adjustment for fibrosis stage (Estimate = 0.43, p < 0.001) and age (Estimate = 0.04, p < 0.001) in the multivariate linear regression, intra-tumoral CD8 + T cell infiltration remained a significant factor associated with peri-tumor stiffness (Estimate = 0.63, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Tumor ADC surpasses tumor stiffness as a biomarker of cellularity. Tumor stiffness is associated with tumor-stroma ratio and peri-tumor stiffness might be an imaging biomarker of intra-tumoral immune microenvironment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Tissue stiffness could potentially serve as an imaging biomarker of the intra-tumoral immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma and aid in patient selection for immunotherapy. KEY POINTS Apparent diffusion coefficient reflects cellularity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor stiffness reflects tumor-stroma ratio of hepatocellular carcinoma and is associated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Tumor and peri-tumor stiffness might serve as imaging biomarkers of intra-tumoral immune microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhenru Wu
- Laboratory of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 88 South Keyuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yidi Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Yin
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Richard L Ehman
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zerunian M, Masci B, Caruso D, Pucciarelli F, Polici M, Nardacci S, De Santis D, Iannicelli E, Laghi A. Liver Magnetic Resonance Elastography: Focus on Methodology, Technique, and Feasibility. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:379. [PMID: 38396418 PMCID: PMC10887609 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique that combines low-frequency mechanical vibrations with magnetic resonance imaging to create visual maps and quantify liver parenchyma stiffness. As in recent years, diffuse liver diseases have become highly prevalent worldwide and could lead to a chronic condition with different stages of fibrosis. There is a strong necessity for a non-invasive, highly accurate, and standardised quantitative assessment to evaluate and manage patients with different stages of fibrosis from diagnosis to follow-up, as the actual reference standard for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis is biopsy, an invasive method with possible peri-procedural complications and sampling errors. MRE could quantitatively evaluate liver stiffness, as it is a rapid and repeatable method with high specificity and sensitivity. MRE is based on the propagation of mechanical shear waves through the liver tissue that are directly proportional to the organ's stiffness, expressed in kilopascals (kPa). To obtain a valid assessment of the real hepatic stiffness values, it is mandatory to obtain a high-quality examination. To understand the pearls and pitfalls of MRE, in this review, we describe our experience after one year of performing MRE from indications and patient preparation to acquisition, quality control, and image analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zerunian
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
- PhD School in Translational Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Masci
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Damiano Caruso
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Pucciarelli
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Michela Polici
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
- PhD School in Translational Medicine and Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Nardacci
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Domenico De Santis
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Elsa Iannicelli
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Laghi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (B.M.); (M.P.); (S.N.); (D.D.S.); (E.I.); (A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nauser S, Steinkohl E, Olesen SS, Drewes AM, Frøkjær JB. Co-existence of hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis patients including associated risk factors: a magnetic resonance elastography study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:100-107. [PMID: 37615331 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2250496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the co-existence of hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in chronic pancreatitis (CP), including the association between hepatic and pancreatic MRE-derived stiffness and exploration of potential etiological risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-four CP patients and 35 healthy controls underwent hepatic and pancreatic MRE with measurements of tissue stiffness. Clinical parameters including stage (probable or definite CP), etiology of CP, the presence of diabetes or exocrine insufficiency, and previous history of common bile duct stenosis were assessed. Uni- and multivariate regression models were used to investigate risk factors associated with hepatic fibrosis/stiffness in CP patients. RESULTS Fifteen percent of CP patients and none of the controls had abnormal liver stiffness (>2.5 kPa), p = 0.02. 5.6% of CP patients had liver stiffness indicating F1 fibrosis (>2.93 kPa). However, hepatic stiffness was not higher in patients than in healthy controls (2.20 ± 0.41 vs 2.08 ± 0.21 kPa, p = 0.10). In patients, a positive association was seen between hepatic and pancreatic stiffness (r = 0.270, p = 0.048). In the multivariate analysis (adjusted for age, gender and BMI), liver stiffness was significantly associated with alcoholic etiology of CP (p = 0.029). In contrast, stage of CP, history of common bile duct stenosis, and the presence of diabetes or exocrine insufficiency were not associated with liver stiffness (all p > 0.14). CONCLUSIONS Only a modest co-existence of hepatic and pancreatic fibrosis was observed in CP. However, the positive association between hepatic and pancreatic stiffness indicates some level of common pathophysiology. Especially, alcoholic etiology of CP was related to increased hepatic stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Nauser
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Emily Steinkohl
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren Schou Olesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Asbjørn Mohr Drewes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Centre for Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jens Brøndum Frøkjær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bartlett DJ, Takahashi H, Bach CR, Lunn B, Thorpe MP, Broski SM, Packard AT, Fletcher JG, Navin PJ. Potential applications of PET/MRI in non-oncologic conditions within the abdomen and pelvis. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:3624-3633. [PMID: 37145312 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-03922-0] [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] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PET/MRI is a relatively new imaging modality with several advantages over PET/CT that promise to improve imaging of the abdomen and pelvis for specific diagnostic tasks by combining the superior soft tissue characterization of MRI with the functional information acquired from PET. PET/MRI has an established role in staging and response assessment of multiple abdominopelvic malignancies, but the modality is not yet established for non-oncologic conditions of the abdomen and pelvis. In this review, potential applications of PET/MRI for non-oncologic conditions of abdomen and pelvis are outlined, and the available literature is reviewed to highlight promising areas for further research and translation into clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Corrie R Bach
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | - Brendan Lunn
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | | | | | - Ann T Packard
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saharkhiz N, Kamimura HAS, Konofagou EE. The impact of amplitude modulation frequency in harmonic motion imaging on inclusion characterization. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2023; 49:1768-1779. [PMID: 37202245 PMCID: PMC10392769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2023.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ultrasound elasticity imaging techniques aim to provide a non-invasive characterization of tissue mechanical properties to detect pathological changes and monitor disease progression. Harmonic motion imaging (HMI) is an ultrasound-based elasticity imaging technique that utilizes an oscillatory acoustic radiation force to induce localized displacements and estimate relative tissue stiffness. Previous studies have applied a low amplitude modulation (AM) frequency of 25 or 50 Hz in HMI to assess the mechanical properties of different tissue types. In this study, we investigate the dependence of AM frequency in HMI and whether the frequency can be adjusted based on the size and mechanical properties of the underlying medium for enhanced image contrast and inclusion detection. METHODS A tissue-mimicking phantom with embedded inclusions at different sizes and stiffnesses was imaged within a range of AM frequencies from 25 to 250 Hz at 25-Hz step size. DISCUSSION The AM frequency at which the maximum contrast and CNR are achieved depends on the size and stiffness of the inclusions. A general trend shows that contrast and CNR peak at higher frequencies for smaller inclusions. In addition, for some inclusions with the same size but different stiffnesses, the optimized AM frequency increases with the stiffness of the inclusion. Nevertheless, there is a shift between the frequencies at which the contrast peaks and those with maximum CNR. Finally, in agreement with the phantom findings, imaging an ex-vivo human specimen with a 2.7-cm breast tumor at a range of AM frequencies showed that the highest contrast and CNR are achieved at the AM frequency of 50 Hz. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the AM frequency can be optimized in different applications of HMI, especially in the clinic, for improved detection and characterization of tumors with different geometries and mechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Saharkhiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Hermes A S Kamimura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA; Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Buckholz AP, Brown RS. Noninvasive Fibrosis Testing in Chronic Liver Disease Including Caveats. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:117-131. [PMID: 36400461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of liver fibrosis is important as the range of liver disease management has expanded, rendering biopsy both imperfect and impractical in many situations. Noninvasive tests of fibrosis leverage laboratory, imaging and elastography techniques to estimate disease extent, often with the goal of identifying advanced fibrosis. This review attempts to summarize their utility across a broad range of possible clinical scenarios while considering the central tenets of health care quality: access, quality, and cost. For each test, it also discusses the caveats whereby each test may have reduced effectiveness and how to consider each in a typical clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Buckholz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1305 York Avenue 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Robert S Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1305 York Avenue 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pagé G, Julea F, Paradis V, Vilgrain V, Valla D, Van Beers BE, Garteiser P. Comparative Analysis of a Locally Resampling
MR
Elastography Reconstruction Algorithm in Liver Fibrosis. J Magn Reson Imaging 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaël Pagé
- Laboratory of Imaging Biomarkers Université Paris Cité, Inserm, CRI Paris France
| | - Felicia Julea
- Laboratory of Imaging Biomarkers Université Paris Cité, Inserm, CRI Paris France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Department of Pathology AP‐HP, Beaujon University Hospital Paris Nord Clichy France
| | - Valérie Vilgrain
- Department of Radiology AP‐HP, Beaujon University Hospital Paris Nord Clichy France
| | - Dominique Valla
- Department of Hepatology AP‐HP, Beaujon University Hospital Paris Nord Clichy France
| | - Bernard E. Van Beers
- Laboratory of Imaging Biomarkers Université Paris Cité, Inserm, CRI Paris France
- Department of Radiology AP‐HP, Beaujon University Hospital Paris Nord Clichy France
| | - Philippe Garteiser
- Laboratory of Imaging Biomarkers Université Paris Cité, Inserm, CRI Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hossain MM, Konofagou EE. Imaging of Single Transducer-Harmonic Motion Imaging-Derived Displacements at Several Oscillation Frequencies Simultaneously. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2022; 41:3099-3115. [PMID: 35635828 PMCID: PMC9865352 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2022.3178897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mapping of mechanical properties, dependent on the frequency of motion, is relevant in diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, or intra-operative surgical resection planning. While shear wave speeds at different frequencies have been described elsewhere, the effect of frequency on the "on-axis" acoustic radiation force (ARF)-induced displacement has not been previously investigated. Instead of generating single transducer-harmonic motion imaging (ST-HMI)-derived peak-to-peak displacement (P2PD) image at a particular frequency, a novel multi-frequency excitation pulse is proposed to generate P2PD images at 100-1000 Hz simultaneously. The performance of the proposed excitation pulse is compared with the ARFI by imaging 16 different inclusions (Young's moduli of 6, 9, 36, 70 kPa and diameters of 1.6, 2.5, 6.5, and 10.4 mm) embedded in an 18 kPa background. Depending on inclusion size and stiffness, the maximum CNR and contrast were achieved at different frequencies and were always higher than ARFI. The frequency, at which maximum CNR and contrast were achieved, increased with stiffness for fixed inclusion's size and decreased with size for fixed stiffness. In vivo feasibility is tested by imaging a 4T1 breast cancer mouse tumor on Day 6, 12, and 19 post-injection of tumor cells. Similar to phantoms, the CNR of ST-HMI images was higher than ARFI and increased with frequency for the tumor on Day 6. Besides, P2PD at 100-1000 Hz indicated that the tumor became stiffer with respect to the neighboring non-cancerous tissue over time. These results indicate the importance of using a multi-frequency excitation pulse to simultaneously generate displacement at multiple frequencies to better delineate inclusions or tumors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Qian Y, Wong VWS, Hou J, Jiang B, Chu WCW, Chen W. Inhomogeneous liver fibrosis distribution revealed by macromolecular proton fraction quantification based on spin-lock MRI. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2022; 12:4341-4345. [PMID: 35919064 PMCID: PMC9338361 DOI: 10.21037/qims-22-302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yurui Qian
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Baiyan Jiang
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Illuminatio Medical Technology Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winnie Chiu-Wing Chu
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weitian Chen
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hilscher MB, Wells ML, Venkatesh SK, Cetta F, Kamath PS. Fontan-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2022; 75:1300-1321. [PMID: 35179797 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moira B Hilscher
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Michael L Wells
- Division of Abdominal ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sudhakar K Venkatesh
- Division of Abdominal ImagingDepartment of RadiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Frank Cetta
- Division of Pediatric CardiologyDepartment of Pediatric and Adolescent MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Intra-patient comparison of 3D and 2D magnetic resonance elastography techniques for assessment of liver stiffness. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2022; 47:998-1008. [PMID: 34982182 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-021-03355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate performance of 3D magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) using spin-echo echo-planar imaging (seEPI) for assessment of hepatic stiffness compared with 2D gradient-recalled echo (GRE) and 2D seEPI sequences. METHODS Fifty-seven liver MRE examinations including 2D GRE, 2D seEPI, and 3D seEPI sequences were retrospectively evaluated. Elastograms were analyzed by 2 radiologists and polygonal regions of interests (ROIs) were drawn in 2 different fashions: "curated" ROI (avoiding liver edge, major vessels, and areas of wave interferences) and "non-curated" ROI (including largest cross section of liver, to assess the contribution of artifacts). Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was calculated as the arithmetic mean of individual stiffness values for each technique. For 3D MRE, LSMs were also calculated based on 4 slices ("abbreviated LSM"). Intra-patient variations in LSMs and different methods of ROI placement were assessed by univariate tests. A p-value of < 0.05 was set as a statistically significant difference. RESULTS Mean surface areas of the ROIs were 50,723 mm2, 12,669 mm2, 5814 mm2, and 10,642 mm2 for 3D MRE, abbreviated 3D MRE, 2D GRE, and 2D seEPI, respectively. 3D LSMs based on curated and non-curated ROIs showed no clinically significant difference, with a mean difference less than 0.1 kPa. Abbreviated 3D LSMs had excellent correlation with 3D LSMs based on all slices (r = 0.9; p < 0.001) and were not significantly different (p = 0.927). CONCLUSION 3D MRE allows more reproducible measurements due to its lower susceptibility to artifacts and provides larger areas of parenchyma, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of the liver.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kostallari E, Wei B, Sicard D, Li J, Cooper SA, Gao J, Dehankar M, Li Y, Cao S, Yin M, Tschumperlin DJ, Shah VH. Stiffness is associated with hepatic stellate cell heterogeneity during liver fibrosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G234-G246. [PMID: 34941452 PMCID: PMC8793867 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00254.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The fibrogenic wound-healing response in liver increases stiffness. Stiffness mechanotransduction, in turn, amplifies fibrogenesis. Here, we aimed to understand the distribution of stiffness in fibrotic liver, how it impacts hepatic stellate cell (HSC) heterogeneity, and identify mechanisms by which stiffness amplifies fibrogenic responses. Magnetic resonance elastography and atomic force microscopy demonstrated a heterogeneous distribution of liver stiffness at macroscopic and microscopic levels, respectively, in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) mouse model of liver fibrosis as compared with controls. High stiffness was mainly attributed to extracellular matrix dense areas. To identify a stiffness-sensitive HSC subpopulation, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on primary HSCs derived from healthy versus CCl4-treated mice. A subcluster of HSCs was matrix-associated with the most upregulated pathway in this subpopulation being focal adhesion signaling, including a specific protein termed four and a half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2). In vitro, FHL2 expression was increased in primary human HSCs cultured on stiff matrix as compared with HSCs on soft matrix. Moreover, FHL2 knockdown inhibited fibronectin and collagen 1 expression, whereas its overexpression promoted matrix production. In summary, we demonstrate stiffness heterogeneity at the whole organ, lobular, and cellular level, which drives an amplification loop of fibrogenesis through specific focal adhesion molecular pathways.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The fibrogenic wound-healing response in liver increases stiffness. Here, macro and microheterogeneity of liver stiffness correlate with HSC heterogeneity in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. Fibrogenic HSCs localized in stiff collagen-high areas upregulate the expression of focal adhesion molecule FHL2, which, in turn, promotes extracellular matrix protein expression. These results demonstrate that stiffness heterogeneity at the whole organ, lobular, and cellular level drives an amplification loop of fibrogenesis through specific focal adhesion molecular pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enis Kostallari
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bo Wei
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,2Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Delphine Sicard
- 3Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jiahui Li
- 4Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Shawna A. Cooper
- 5Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jinhang Gao
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota,2Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mrunal Dehankar
- 6Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ying Li
- 6Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Sheng Cao
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Meng Yin
- 4Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Vijay H. Shah
- 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Magnetic Resonance Elastography of the Liver: A Single-Institution Review of Cases Performed in a 5-Year Interval. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2022; 46:1-5. [PMID: 34581704 PMCID: PMC8986030 DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000001228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in detecting hepatic fibrosis and determining clinically relevant stiffness cutoff values per stage of fibrosis. METHODS This retrospective study assessed 1488 hepatic MRE evaluations performed at a single institution for 5 years. Mean liver stiffness measurements were collected from 282 patients who had an MRE study within 1 year of histopathologic analysis. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for each stage of fibrosis with nonparametric ordinal measures of accuracy, and Youden Index was determined. RESULTS Mean liver stiffness measurement values were as follows: F0, 2.5± 0.55 kPa; F1, 3.1± 0.80 kPa; F2, 3.4±0.95 kPa; F3, 4.7±1.44 kPa; and F4, 7.9± 2.64 kPa. Nonparametric ordinal measures of accuracy per fibrosis stage were as follows: F0: 0.934, P < 0.001; F0-F1: 0.917, P < 0.001; F0-F2: 0.944, P < 0.001; and F0-F3: 0.941, P < 0.001. Youden Index values for fibrosis stages F2, F3, and F4 were 3.9, 4.0, and 4.5 kPa, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Magnetic resonance elastography is an accurate diagnostic tool in assessing liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Clinical utility of 3D magnetic resonance elastography in patients with biliary obstruction. Eur Radiol 2021; 32:2050-2059. [PMID: 34791513 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08295-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D-MRE) allows for multiparametric modeling of both elastic and viscous tissue characteristics. Our aim was to compare 3D-MRE with conventional liver shear stiffness assessment in gauging obstructive jaundice (OJ), predicting the adequacy of biliary decompression after drainage, and discriminating OJ from liver fibrosis. METHODS Patients with no histories of liver disease (n = 201) were studied in retrospect, grouped by bilirubin levels as no jaundice (NJ ≤ 2 mg/dL; n = 75), mild OJ (>2 mg/dL and ≤ 4 mg/dL; n = 56), and severe OJ (> 4 mg/dL; n = 70). For comparison, another 75 patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infections and histologically proven liver fibrosis were similarly analyzed. Each patient underwent spin-echo echo-planar-imaging MRE at 60 Hz with 3D wave postprocessing. Logistic regression and ordinary regression models were used to compare the 3D-MRE model with liver shear stiffness. RESULTS Liver shear stiffness, loss modulus, and damping ratio were incorporated into a 3D-MRE model, which significantly outperformed shear stiffness in predicting OJ severity (accuracy: 0.801 vs 0.672; p < 0.001). Both the 3D-MRE model and liver shear stiffness performed equally well in predicting the outcome of biliary drainage procedure (C-statistics: 0.852 vs 0.847; p = 0.48). The 3D-MRE model also demonstrated significantly better C-statistics than that of liver shear stiffness in discriminating mild OJ from F1-F2 liver fibrosis (0.765 vs 0.641; p = 0.005) and severe OJ from F3-F4 liver fibrosis (0.750 vs 0.635; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS 3D-MRE is an innovative imaging method for gauging OJ severity, predicting the outcome of biliary drainage procedure, and discriminating OJ from liver fibrosis. KEY POINTS • 3D-MR elastography achieved promising results for predicting the severity of obstructive jaundice. • Advanced parameters of 3D-MR elastography demonstrated significantly better performance than that of shear stiffness of 2D-MR elastography in discriminating obstructive jaundice from liver fibrosis caused by chronic hepatitis B/C. • Both 3D-MR elastography and 2D-MR elastography were equivalent in predicting the outcome of biliary drainage procedure.
Collapse
|
16
|
Takihata Y, Kawauchi S, Ogata S, Nishidate I, Sato S, Yamamoto J, Kishi Y. In vivo diffuse reflectance spectroscopic analysis of fatty liver with inflammation in mice. Surg Open Sci 2021; 6:21-28. [PMID: 34458710 PMCID: PMC8379345 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a progressive liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic failure. Thus, the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, especially discrimination from nonalcoholic fatty liver, is crucial, but reliable methods other than invasive biopsy have not been established yet. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, which does not require tissue collection, to evaluate the pathological states of fatty liver with inflammation. Materials and Methods We performed in vivo optical fiber-based diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in both the near-infrared and visible spectral regions for livers in STAM mice, which typically show steatosis at 6 weeks, steatohepatitis at 8 weeks, and fibrosis at 12 weeks of age. After diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, all of the liver tissues were histologically analyzed and scored on the basis of the rodent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease scoring system. We examined correlations between the diffuse reflectance spectra and scores associated with steatosis and inflammation. Results and Conclusion The results showed that the second derivative values of reflectance at 1204 nm, the lipid absorption peak in the near-infrared region, were strongly correlated with steatosis scores (r = 0.9172, P < .0001, n = 20) and that the differences of the first derivative values of reflectance in the visible region (570 nm − 550 nm) that reflect hemoglobin deoxygenation were significantly correlated with inflammation scores (r = 0.5260, P = .0172, n = 20). These results suggest that our diffuse reflectance spectroscopy method is useful for diagnosis of the states of steatosis with inflammation in livers and hence nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Optical reflectance signals are used to diagnose nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. The near-infrared reflectance signals are strongly correlated with steatosis scores. The visible reflectance signals are significantly correlated with inflammation scores. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can be noninvasively detected by reflectance signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Takihata
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan.,Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Satoko Kawauchi
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Sho Ogata
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, National Defense Medical College Hospital, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Izumi Nishidate
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications & Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Shunichi Sato
- Division of Bioinformation and Therapeutic Systems, National Defense Medical College Research Institute, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Junji Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Yoji Kishi
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Joshi A, Muthe MM, Firke V, Badgujar H. Preliminary experience with 3T magnetic resonance elastography imaging of the liver. SA J Radiol 2021; 25:2072. [PMID: 34192073 PMCID: PMC8182447 DOI: 10.4102/sajr.v25i1.2072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a promising non-invasive technique for the identification and quantification of hepatic fibrosis. This manuscript describes our early experience with MRE for the assessment of the presence and staging of liver fibrosis on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the MRE physics, procedure, interpretation and drawbacks, along with a few recommendations as per our experience. Method Magnetic resonance elastography was performed on 85 patients with a 3T MRI and the images were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Liver stiffness was assessed by drawing freehand geographic regions of interest on the elastograms to cover the maximum portion of the hepatic parenchyma within the 95% confidence maps on each slice. Correlation with histopathology was performed whenever available. Results Of the 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 41 patients displayed a normal liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and 39 patients had a raised LSM. In the patients who had a raised LSM, 14 patients had Stage I–II fibrosis, 8 patients had Stage II–III fibrosis, 6 patients had Stage III–IV fibrosis, 4 patients had Stage IV fibrosis or cirrhosis and 7 patients had non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The mean thickness of the waves increased with increasing stages of fibrosis. The waves became gradually darker medially in patients with normal LSM as compared to the patients with raised LSM. Histopathology with METAVIR scoring was available in 46 patients, which agreed with the MRE findings in all except two patients. Conclusion Magnetic resonance elastography is a suitable non-invasive modality for the identification and quantification of hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anagha Joshi
- Department of Radiology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Mridula M Muthe
- Department of Radiology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Vikrant Firke
- Department of Radiology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Harshal Badgujar
- Department of Radiology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hossain MM, Saharkhiz N, Konofagou EE. Feasibility of Harmonic Motion Imaging Using a Single Transducer: In Vivo Imaging of Breast Cancer in a Mouse Model and Human Subjects. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2021; 40:1390-1404. [PMID: 33523806 PMCID: PMC8136334 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2021.3055779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Harmonic motion imaging (HMI) interrogates the mechanical properties of tissues by simultaneously generating and tracking harmonic oscillation using focused ultrasound and imaging transducers, respectively. Instead of using two transducers, the objective of this work is to develop a single transducer HMI (ST-HMI) to both generate and track harmonic motion at "on-axis" to the force for facilitating data acquisition. In ST-HMI, the amplitude-modulated force was generated by modulating excitation pulse duration and tracking of motion was performed by transmitting tracking pulses interleaved between excitation pulses. The feasibility of ST-HMI was performed by imaging two elastic phantoms with three inclusions (N = 6) and comparing it with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging, in vivo longitudinal monitoring of 4T1, orthotropic breast cancer mice (N = 4), and patients (N = 3) with breast masses in vivo. Six inclusions with Young's moduli of 8, 10, 15, 20, 40, and 60 kPa were embedded in a 5 kPa background. The ST-HMI-derived peak-to-peak displacement (P2PD) successfully detected all inclusions with [Formula: see text] of the linear regression between the P2PD ratio of background to inclusion versus Young's moduli ratio of inclusion to background. The contrasts of 10 and 15 kPa inclusions were higher in ST-HMI than ARFI-derived images. In the mouse study, the median P2PD ratio of tumor to non-cancerous tissues was 3.0, 5.1, 6.1, and 7.7 at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks post-injection of the tumor cells, respectively. In the clinical study, ST-HMI detected breast masses including fibroadenoma, pseudo angiomatous stromal hyperplasia, and invasive ductal carcinoma with a P2PD ratio of 1.37, 1.61, and 1.78, respectively. These results indicate that ST-HMI can assess the mechanical properties of tissues via generation and tracking of harmonic motion "on-axis" to the ARF. This study is the first step towards translating ST-HMI in clinics.
Collapse
|
19
|
Fujimoto K, Shiinoki T, Yuasa Y, Tanaka H. Estimation of liver elasticity using the finite element method and four-dimensional computed tomography images as a biomarker of liver fibrosis. Med Phys 2021; 48:1286-1298. [PMID: 33449406 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Current radiotherapy planning procedures are generally designed based on anatomical information only and use computed tomography (CT) images that do not incorporate organ-functional information. In this study, we developed a method for estimating liver elasticity using the finite element method (FEM) and four-dimensional CT (4DCT) images acquired during radiotherapy planning, and we subsequently evaluated its feasibility as a biomarker for liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients who underwent 4DCT and ultrasound-based transient elastography (UTE) were enrolled. All patients had chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. Liver elasticity measurements of the UTE were performed on the right lobe of the patient's liver in 20 patients. The serum biomarkers of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) were available in 18 of the 20 total patients, which were measured within 1 week after undergoing 4DCT. The displacement between the 4DCT images obtained at the endpoints of exhalation and inspiration was determined using the actual (via deformable image registration) and simulated (via FEM) respiration-induced displacement. The elasticity of each element of the liver model was optimized by minimizing the error between the actual and simulated respiration-induced displacement. Then, each patient's estimated liver elasticity was defined as the mean Young's modulus of the liver's right lobe and that of the whole liver using the estimated elasticity map. The estimated liver elasticity was evaluated for correlations with the elasticity obtained via UTE and with two serum biomarkers (APRI and FIB-4). RESULTS The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the errors between the actual and simulated respiration-induced displacement in the liver model was 0.54 ± 0.33 mm. The estimated liver's right lobe elasticity was statistically significantly correlated with the UTE (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the estimated whole liver elasticity was statistically significantly correlated with the UTE (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), APRI score (r = 0.62, P = 0.005), and FIB-4 score (r = 0.54, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION In this study, liver elasticity was estimated through FEM-based simulation and actual respiratory-induced liver displacement obtained from 4DCT images. Furthermore, we assessed that the estimated elasticity of the liver's right lobe was strongly correlated with the UTE. Therefore, the estimated elasticity has the potential to be a feasible imaging biomarker for assessing liver fibrosis using only 4DCT images without additional inspection or equipment costs. Because our results were derived from a limited sample of 20 patients, it is necessary to evaluate the accuracy of elasticity estimation for each liver segment on larger groups of biopsied patients to utilize liver elasticity information for radiotherapy planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koya Fujimoto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8535, Japan
| | - Takehiro Shiinoki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8535, Japan
| | - Yuki Yuasa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8535, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi, 755-8535, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Marticorena Garcia SR, Althoff CE, Dürr M, Halleck F, Budde K, Grittner U, Burkhardt C, Jöhrens K, Braun J, Fischer T, Hamm B, Sack I, Guo J. Tomoelastography for Longitudinal Monitoring of Viscoelasticity Changes in the Liver and in Renal Allografts after Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment in 15 Kidney Transplant Recipients with Chronic HCV Infection. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030510. [PMID: 33535495 PMCID: PMC7867050 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides the liver, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection also affects kidney allografts. The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate viscoelasticity changes in the liver and in kidney allografts in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with HCV infection after treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Fifteen KTRs with HCV infection were treated with DAAs (daclatasvir and sofosbuvir) for 3 months and monitored at baseline, end of treatment (EOT), and 3 (FU1) and 12 (FU2) months after EOT. Shear-wave speed (SWS) and loss angle of the complex shear modulus (φ), reflecting stiffness and fluidity, respectively, were reconstructed from multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography data with tomoelastography post-processing. After virus elimination by DAAs, hepatic stiffness and fluidity decreased, while kidney allograft stiffness and fluidity increased compared with baseline (hepatic stiffness change at FU1: -0.14 m/s, p < 0.01, and at FU2: -0.11 m/s, p < 0.05; fluidity at FU1: -0.05 rad, p = 0.04 and unchanged at FU2: p = 0.20; kidney allograft stiffness change at FU1: +0.27 m/s, p = 0.01, and at FU2: +0.30 m/s, p < 0.01; fluidity at FU1 and FU2: +0.06 rad, p = 0.02). These results suggest the restoration of mechanically sensitive structures and functions in both organs. Tomoelastography can be used to monitor the therapeutic results of HCV treatment non-invasively on the basis of hepatic and renal viscoelastic parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan R. Marticorena Garcia
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-450-527082; Fax: +49-30-450-7527911
| | - Christian E. Althoff
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Michael Dürr
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (F.H.); (K.B.)
| | - Fabian Halleck
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (F.H.); (K.B.)
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.D.); (F.H.); (K.B.)
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Burkhardt
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Korinna Jöhrens
- Department of Pathology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jürgen Braun
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Thomas Fischer
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Radiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (C.E.A.); (C.B.); (T.F.); (B.H.); (I.S.); (J.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ghatas MP, Khan MR, Gorgey AS. Skeletal muscle stiffness as measured by magnetic resonance elastography after chronic spinal cord injury: a cross-sectional pilot study. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2486-2493. [PMID: 33907038 PMCID: PMC8374562 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.313060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle stiffness is altered after spinal cord injury (SCI). Assessing muscle stiffness is essential for rehabilitation and pharmaceutical interventions design after SCI. The study used magnetic resonance elastography to assess the changes in stiffness after chronic SCI compared to matched able-bodied controls and determine its association with muscle size, spasticity, and peak torque in persons with SCI. Previous studies examined the association between muscle stiffness and spasticity, however, we are unaware of other studies that examined the effects of muscle composition on stiffness after SCI. Ten participants (one female) with chronic SCI and eight (one female) matched able-bodied controls participated in this cross-sectional study. Magnetic resonance elastography was utilized to monitor stiffness derived from shear waves propagation. Modified Ashworth scale was used to evaluate spasticity scores in a blinded fashion. Peak isometric and isokinetic torques were measured using a biodex dynamometer. Stiffness values were non-significantly lower (12.5%; P = 0.3) in the SCI group compared to able-bodied controls. Moreover, stiffness was positively related to vastus lateralis whole muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) (r2 = 0.64, P < 0.005) and vastus lateralis absolute muscle CSA after accounting for intramuscular fat (r2 = 0.78, P < 0.0007). Stiffness was also positively correlated to both isometric (r2= 0.55-0.57, P < 0.05) and isokinetic peak (r2= 0.46-0.48, P < 0.05) torques. Our results suggest that larger clinical trial is warranted to confirm the preliminary findings that muscle stiffness is altered after SCI compared to healthy controls. Stiffness appeared to be influenced by infiltration of intramuscular fat and modestly by the spasticity of the paralyzed muscles. The preliminary data indicated that the relationship between muscle stiffness and peak torque is not altered with changing the frequency of pulses or angular velocities. All study procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, USA (IRB #: 02314) on May 3, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina P Ghatas
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - M Rehan Khan
- Department of Radiology, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ashraf S Gorgey
- Department of Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
The organs affected most commonly by AL amyloidosis are the kidneys and heart, however, liver and gastrointestinal (GI) tract are also commonly affected. Symptoms of GI amyloidosis often mimic those of other GI disorders; having a keen awareness of the need to evaluate for amyloidosis is critical in avoiding delay in diagnosis and intervention. GI and liver involvement is associated with significant complications, and challenges in symptomatic management. As with all AL-related organ disease, early systemic treatment can prevent progression of tissue damage and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Plaikner
- Radiologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich.
| | - Christian Kremser
- Radiologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - André Viveiros
- Innere Medizin I, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Heinz Zoller
- Innere Medizin I, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Benjamin Henninger
- Radiologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
MR elastography of liver: current status and future perspectives. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2020; 45:3444-3462. [PMID: 32705312 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-020-02656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis has evolved over the last couple of decades. Currently, elastography techniques are the most widely used non-invasive methods for clinical evaluation of chronic liver disease (CLD). MR elastography (MRE) of the liver has been used in the clinical practice for nearly a decade and continues to be widely accepted for detection and staging of liver fibrosis. With MRE, one can directly visualize propagating shear waves through the liver and an inversion algorithm in the scanner automatically converts the shear wave properties into an elastogram (stiffness map) on which liver stiffness can be calculated. The commonly used MRE method, two-dimensional gradient recalled echo (2D-GRE) sequence has produced excellent results in the evaluation of liver fibrosis in CLD from various etiologies and newer clinical indications continue to emerge. Advances in MRE technique, including 3D MRE, automated liver elasticity calculation, improvements in shear wave delivery and patient experience, are promising to provide a faster and more reliable MRE of liver. Innovations, including evaluation of mechanical parameters, such as loss modulus, displacement, and volumetric strain, are promising for comprehensive evaluation of CLD as well as understanding pathophysiology, and in differentiating various etiologies of CLD. In this review, the current status of the MRE of liver in CLD are outlined and followed by a brief description of advanced techniques and innovations in MRE of liver.
Collapse
|
25
|
Elastography Techniques for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114039. [PMID: 32516937 PMCID: PMC7313067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is expected to increase in prevalence because of the ongoing epidemics of obesity and diabetes, and it has become a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Liver fibrosis is associated with long-term outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Liver biopsy is recommended as the gold standard method for the staging of liver fibrosis. However, it has several problems. Therefore, simple and noninvasive methods for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis are urgently needed in place of biopsy. This review discusses recent studies of elastography techniques (vibration-controlled transient elastography, point shear wave elastography, two-dimensional shear wave elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography) that can be used for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
Collapse
|
26
|
Hajjarian Z, Nadkarni SK. Tutorial on laser speckle rheology: technology, applications, and opportunities. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2020; 25:1-19. [PMID: 32358928 PMCID: PMC7195443 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.25.5.050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE The onset of several diseases is frequently marked with anomalous mechanical alteration of the affected tissue at the intersection of cells and their microenvironment. Therefore, mapping the micromechanical attributes of the tissues could enhance our understanding of the etiology of human disease, improve the diagnosis, and help stratify therapies that target these mechanical aberrations. AIM We review the tremendous opportunities offered through using optics for imaging the micromechanical properties, at length scales inaccessible to other modalities, in both basic research and clinical medicine. We specifically focus on laser speckle rheology (LSR), a technology that quantifies the mechanical properties of tissues in a rapid, noncontact manner. APPROACH In LSR, the shear viscoelastic modulus is measured from the time-variant speckle intensity fluctuations reflected off the tissue. The LSR technology is engineered and configured into several embodiments, including bench-top optical systems, endoscopes for minimally invasive procedures, portable point-of-care devices, and microscopes. RESULTS These technological nuances have primed the LSR for widespread applications in diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring, as demonstrated here, in cardiovascular disease, coagulation disorders, and tumor malignancies. CONCLUSION The fast-paced technological advancements, elaborated here, position the LSR as a competent candidate for many more exciting opportunities in basic research and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Hajjarian
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Seemantini K. Nadkarni
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Xu Y, Cai X, Shi Y, Yin M, Lan G, Zhang X, Ji R, Chang Liu. Normative Pancreatic Stiffness Levels and Related Influences Established by Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Volunteers. J Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 52:448-458. [PMID: 31943515 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale normative studies of pancreatic stiffness and potential influences have yet to be pursued via magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). PURPOSE To determine normative MRE-based pancreatic stiffness values and to examine related influential factors. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS In all, 361 volunteers (men, 199; women, 162) with a median age of 54.0 years and a median body mass index (BMI) of 22.86 kg/m2 were prospectively recruited. Those with no histories of smoking, alcohol abuse, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were grouped as healthy volunteers, designating all others as positive controls. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Each volunteer underwent 3.0T pancreatic MRI at a frequency of 40 Hz. ASSESSMENT Pancreatic stiffness values, pancreatic width and volume, waist circumference, and wave distance were measured in all subjects. STATISTICAL TESTS Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine variables that influence MRE-determined stiffness. RESULTS The mean pancreatic stiffness in all volunteers was 1.20 ± 0.16 kPa. Stiffness levels in positive control volunteers proved significantly greater than levels in healthy volunteers (1.29 ± 0.17 kPa vs. 1.14 ± 0.13 kPa; P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, sex (P = 0.004), BMI (P < 0.001), pancreatic width (P = 0.005), smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol abuse (P < 0.001), and DM (P = 0.001) emerged as significant independent factors impacting pancreatic stiffness. Smoking, alcohol abuse, DM, and wide pancreas were associated with greater pancreatic stiffness (coefficients = 0.202, 0.183, 0.149, and 0.160, respectively), while reduced pancreatic stiffness corresponded with female sex and larger BMI (coefficient = -0.155 and -0.192, respectively). DATA CONCLUSION MRE-based pancreatic stiffness values are impacted by sex, BMI, pancreatic width, smoking, alcohol abuse, and DM. Reference values are essential for future clinical studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:448-458.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youli Xu
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoli Cai
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng Yin
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gongyu Lan
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xianyi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruoyun Ji
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hoodeshenas S, Welle CL, Navin PJ, Dzyubak B, Eaton JE, Ehman RL, Venkatesh SK. Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Interobserver Agreement for Liver Stiffness Measurement with Manual and Automated Methods. Acad Radiol 2019; 26:1625-1632. [PMID: 30878345 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE Primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver disease causes heterogeneous parenchymal changes and fibrosis. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with magnetic resonance Elastography (MRE) may be affected by this heterogeneous distribution. We evaluated interobserver agreement of LSM in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with manual and automated methods to study the influence of heterogeneous changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 79 consecutive patients with PSC who had a liver MRI and MRE formed the study group. Three readers with 1-3 years' experience in MRE and a MRE expert (11 years' experience) independently performed LSM. Each reader manually drew free hand (fROI) and average (aROI) on stiffness maps. Automatic liver elasticity calculation (ALEC) was used to generate automated LSM. The expert fROI was the reference standard. Correlation analysis and absolute intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed. RESULTS LSM data of 79 livers and 315 sections were evaluated. There was excellent ICC between expert and reader fROIs (0.989, 95% confidence interval, and 0.985-0.993) and aROIs (0.971, 95% confidence interval, and 0.953-0.983) and ALEC (0.972, 0.957-0.982) with fROI performing better. The areas measured with fROIs and ALEC had moderate ICC with Expert fROI (0.64 and 0.56, respectively) whereas aROI area had a poor ICC of 0.12. Comparison of multiple methods showed significant differences in LSM between expert fROI and aROI of two readers and no significant differences for fROIs of all three readers. CONCLUSION LSM with MRE in PSC patients shows excellent interobserver agreement with both fROI and aROI methods with better performance with fROI. fROI may therefore be preferred for LSM measurements in PSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safa Hoodeshenas
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Christopher L Welle
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Patrick J Navin
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Bogdan Dzyubak
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - John E Eaton
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Richard L Ehman
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Sudhakar K Venkatesh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Guglielmo FF, Venkatesh SK, Mitchell DG. Liver MR Elastography Technique and Image Interpretation: Pearls and Pitfalls. Radiographics 2019; 39:1983-2002. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.2019190034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flavius F. Guglielmo
- From the Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 132 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (F.F.G., D.G.M.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn (S.K.V.)
| | - Sudhakar K. Venkatesh
- From the Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 132 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (F.F.G., D.G.M.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn (S.K.V.)
| | - Donald G. Mitchell
- From the Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 132 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (F.F.G., D.G.M.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn (S.K.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Salarian M, Turaga RC, Xue S, Nezafati M, Hekmatyar K, Qiao J, Zhang Y, Tan S, Ibhagui OY, Hai Y, Li J, Mukkavilli R, Sharma M, Mittal P, Min X, Keilholz S, Yu L, Qin G, Farris AB, Liu ZR, Yang JJ. Early detection and staging of chronic liver diseases with a protein MRI contrast agent. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4777. [PMID: 31664017 PMCID: PMC6820552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11984-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis and noninvasive detection of liver fibrosis and its heterogeneity remain as major unmet medical needs for stopping further disease progression toward severe clinical consequences. Here we report a collagen type I targeting protein-based contrast agent (ProCA32.collagen1) with strong collagen I affinity. ProCA32.collagen1 possesses high relaxivities per particle (r1 and r2) at both 1.4 and 7.0 T, which enables the robust detection of early-stage (Ishak stage 3 of 6) liver fibrosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (Ishak stage 1 of 6 or 1 A Mild) in animal models via dual contrast modes. ProCA32.collagen1 also demonstrates vasculature changes associated with intrahepatic angiogenesis and portal hypertension during late-stage fibrosis, and heterogeneity via serial molecular imaging. ProCA32.collagen1 mitigates metal toxicity due to lower dosage and strong resistance to transmetallation and unprecedented metal selectivity for Gd3+ over physiological metal ions with strong translational potential in facilitating effective treatment to halt further chronic liver disease progression. Non-invasive early diagnosis of liver fibrosis is important to prevent disease progression and direct treatment strategies. Here the authors developed a collagen-targeting contrast agent for the detection of early stage fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by magnetic resonance and tested it in animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mani Salarian
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Ravi Chakra Turaga
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Shenghui Xue
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Maysam Nezafati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Khan Hekmatyar
- Bioimaging Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jingjuan Qiao
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Yinwei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Shanshan Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | | | - Yan Hai
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jibiao Li
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Rao Mukkavilli
- Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Pardeep Mittal
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, 30912, Georgia
| | - Xiaoyi Min
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Shella Keilholz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Liqing Yu
- Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Gengshen Qin
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Alton Brad Farris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Zhi-Ren Liu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.,Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jenny J Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA. .,Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Akkaya HE, Erden A, Kuru Öz D, Ünal S, Erden İ. Magnetic resonance elastography: basic principles, technique, and clinical applications in the liver. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 24:328-335. [PMID: 30272563 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2018.18186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a constantly advancing technique for assessment of stiffness of tissues with newer technology and sequences. It is being increasingly used for the assessment of liver fibrosis. In this article, we discuss the advantages of MRE over biopsy and noninvasive methods such as US elastography in the assessment of liver fibrosis. Image acquisition and interpretation of liver MRE is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayşe Erden
- Department of Radiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Diğdem Kuru Öz
- Department of Radiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sena Ünal
- Department of Radiology, Erzurum Local Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - İlhan Erden
- Department of Radiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
The first clinical application of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) was in the evaluation of chronic liver disease (CLD) for detection and staging of liver fibrosis. In the past 10 years, MRE has been incorporated seamlessly into a standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) liver protocol worldwide. Liver MRE is a robust technique for evaluation of liver stiffness and is currently the most accurate noninvasive imaging technology for evaluation of liver fibrosis. Newer MRE sequences including spin-echo MRE and 3 dimensional MRE have helped in reducing the technical limitations of clinical liver MRE that is performed with 2D gradient recalled echo (GRE) MRE. Advances in MRE technology have led to understanding of newer mechanical parameters such as dispersion, attenuation, and viscoelasticity that may be useful in evaluating pathological processes in CLD and may prove useful in their management.This review article will describe the changes in CLD that cause an increase in stiffness followed by principle and technique of liver MRE. In the later part of the review, we will briefly discuss the advances in liver MRE.
Collapse
|
33
|
Allen AM, Shah VH, Therneau TM, Venkatesh SK, Mounajjed T, Larson JJ, Mara KC, Schulte PJ, Kellogg TA, Kendrick ML, McKenzie TJ, Greiner SM, Li J, Glaser KJ, Wells ML, Chen J, Ehman RL, Yin M. The Role of Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. Hepatology 2018; 71:510-521. [PMID: 30582669 PMCID: PMC6591099 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The lack of reliable, noninvasive methods to diagnose early nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major unmet need. We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D-MRE), with shear stiffness measured at 60 Hz, damping ratio at 40 Hz, and magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) in the detection of NASH in individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. Obese adults at risk for NASH were enrolled between 2015 and 2017 (prospective cohort, n = 88) and 2010 and 2013 (retrospective cohort, n = 87). The imaging protocol consisted of multifrequency 3D-MRE (mf3D-MRE) with shear waves delivered at different frequencies to explore parameters that best correlated with histologic NASH, and MRI-PDFF to estimate steatosis. The prospective cohort was used to establish the optimal mf3D-MRE technical parameters for NASH detection. The two cohorts were then combined to derive predictive models of NASH and disease activity by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) using the three imaging parameters that correlated with NASH. A total of 175 patients (median age 45, 81% women, and 81 [46%] with histologic NASH) were used for model derivation. From the complex shear modulus output generated by mf3D-MRE, the damping ratio at 40 Hz and shear stiffness at 60 Hz best correlated with NASH. The fat fraction obtained from MRI-PDFF correlated with steatosis (P < 0.05 for all). These three parameters were fit into a logistic regression model that predicted NASH with cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.73, sensitivity = 0.67, specificity = 0.80, positive predictive value = 0.73 and negative predictive value = 0.74, and disease activity by NAS with cross-validated AUROC = 0.82. Conclusion: The mf3D-MRE allows identification of imaging parameters that predict early NASH and disease activity. This imaging biomarker represents a promising alternative to liver biopsy for NASH diagnosis and monitoring. The results provide motivation for further studies in nonbariatric cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina M. Allen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Terry M. Therneau
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | - Joseph J. Larson
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kristin C. Mara
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Phillip J. Schulte
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | - Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | - Meng Yin
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bookwalter CA, Venkatesh SK, Eaton JE, Smyrk TD, Ehman RL. MR elastography in primary sclerosing cholangitis: correlating liver stiffness with bile duct strictures and parenchymal changes. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2018; 43:3260-3270. [PMID: 29626258 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-018-1590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM To determine correlation of liver stiffness measured by MR Elastography (MRE) with biliary abnormalities on MR Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and MRI parenchymal features in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). METHODS Fifty-five patients with PSC who underwent MRI of the liver with MRCP and MRE were retrospectively evaluated. Two board-certified abdominal radiologists in agreement reviewed the MRI, MRCP, and MRE images. The biliary tree was evaluated for stricture, dilatation, wall enhancement, and thickening at segmental duct, right main duct, left main duct, and common bile duct levels. Liver parenchyma features including signal intensity on T2W and DWI, and hyperenhancement in arterial, portal venous, and delayed phase were evaluated in nine Couinaud liver segments. Atrophy or hypertrophy of segments, cirrhotic morphology, varices, and splenomegaly were scored as present or absent. Regions of interest were placed in each of the nine segments on stiffness maps wherever available and liver stiffness (LS) was recorded. Mean segmental LS, right lobar (V-VIII), left lobar (I-III, and IVA, IVB), and global LS (average of all segments) were calculated. Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed for significant correlation. Features with significant correlation were then analyzed for significant differences in mean LS. Multiple regression analysis of MRI and MRCP features was performed for significant correlation with elevated LS. RESULTS A total of 439/495 segments were evaluated and 56 segments not included in MRE slices were excluded for correlation analysis. Mean segmental LS correlated with the presence of strictures (r = 0.18, p < 0.001), T2W hyperintensity (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), DWI hyperintensity (r = 0.30, p < 0.001), and hyperenhancement of segment in all three phases. Mean LS of atrophic and hypertrophic segments were significantly higher than normal segments (7.07 ± 3.6 and 6.67 ± 3.26 vs. 5.1 ± 3.6 kPa, p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, only the presence of segmental strictures (p < 0.001), T2W hyperintensity (p = 0.01), and segmental hypertrophy (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with elevated segmental LS. Only left ductal stricture correlated with left lobe LS (r = 0.41, p = 0.018). Global LS correlated significantly with CBD stricture (r = 0.31, p = 0.02), number of segmental strictures (r = 0.28, p = 0.04), splenomegaly (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), and varices (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In PSC, there is low but positive correlation between segmental LS and segmental duct strictures. Segments with increased LS show T2 hyperintensity, DWI hyperintensity, and post-contrast hyperenhancement. Global liver stiffness shows a moderate correlation with number of segmental strictures and significantly correlates with spleen stiffness, splenomegaly, and varices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candice A Bookwalter
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Sudhakar K Venkatesh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - John E Eaton
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Thomas D Smyrk
- Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Richard L Ehman
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Passive hepatic congestion may result from a variety of distinct cardiovascular conditions. Injury to the liver caused by congestion is often asymptomatic and may not be recognized clinically. Diagnosis of congestive hepatopathy is important as it has the potential to cause complications including hepatic fibrosis and development of benign and malignant liver masses. This review will summarize the pathophysiologic mechanisms of congestive hepatopathy and provide both description and examples of its multimodality imaging findings. Examples of alternative disease which may have a similar imaging appearance will be provided. Knowledge regarding the characteristic imaging findings of congestive hepatopathy will allow for its accurate identification. Reviewing both the benefits and limitations of imaging performed to evaluate congestive hepatopathy and its complications will help to avoid pitfalls and enable recommendation of appropriate next steps in diagnostic evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Wells
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Sudhakar K Venkatesh
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shen YN, Zheng ML, Guo CX, Bai XL, Pan Y, Yao WY, Liang TB. The role of imaging in prediction of post-hepatectomy liver failure. Clin Imaging 2018; 52:137-145. [PMID: 30059953 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is not only a leading cause of mortality but also a leading cause of life-threatening complications in patients undergoing liver resection. The ability to accurately detect the emergence of PHLF represents a crucially important step. Currently, PHLF can be predicted by a comprehensive evaluation of biological, clinical, and anatomical parameters. With the development of new technologies, imaging methods including elastography, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-enhanced MRI play a more significant role in the pre-operative prediction and assessment of PHLF. In this review, we summarize the mainstream studies, with the aim of evaluating the role of imaging and improving the clinical value of existing scoring systems for predicting PHLF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Nan Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Lin Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Xiang Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Li Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Pan
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Yun Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Changxing County, Huzhou, China
| | - Ting-Bo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|