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28-07-2023 | Cystic Fibrosis | Original Article

Prospective study of quantitative liver MRI in cystic fibrosis: feasibility and comparison to PUSH cohort ultrasound

Authors: Alexander J. Towbin, Wen Ye, Suiyuan Huang, Boaz W. Karmazyn, Jean P. Molleston, Prakash Masand, Daniel H. Leung, Samuel Chang, Michael R. Narkewicz, Adina L. Alazraki, A. Jay Freeman, Randolph K. Otto, Nicole Green, Ihab R. Kamel, Wikrom W. Karnsakul, John C. Magee, Jean Tkach, Joseph J. Palermo

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Background

Pediatric radiologists can identify a liver ultrasound (US) pattern predictive of progression to advanced liver disease. However, reliably discriminating these US patterns remains difficult. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide an objective measure of liver disease in cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if quantitative MRI, including MR elastography, is feasible in children with CF and to determine how quantitative MRI-derived metrics compared to a research US.

Materials and methods

A prospective, multi-institutional trial was performed evaluating CF participants who underwent a standardized MRI. At central review, liver stiffness, fat fraction, liver volume, and spleen volume were obtained. Participants whose MRI was performed within 1 year of US were classified by US pattern as normal, homogeneous hyperechoic, heterogeneous, or nodular. Each MRI measure was compared among US grade groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

Ninety-three participants (51 females [54.8%]; mean 15.6 years [range 8.1–21.7 years]) underwent MRI. MR elastography was feasible in 87 participants (93.5%). Fifty-eight participants had an US within 1 year of MRI. In these participants, a nodular liver had significantly higher stiffness (P<0.01) than normal or homogeneous hyperechoic livers. Participants with a homogeneous hyperechoic liver had a higher fat fraction (P<0.005) than others.

Conclusion

MR elastography is feasible in children with CF. Participants with a nodular pattern had higher liver stiffness supporting the US determination of advanced liver disease. Participants with a homogeneous hyperechoic pattern had higher fat fractions supporting the diagnosis of steatosis.

Graphical abstract

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Prospective study of quantitative liver MRI in cystic fibrosis: feasibility and comparison to PUSH cohort ultrasound
Authors: Alexander J. Towbin
Wen Ye
Suiyuan Huang
Boaz W. Karmazyn
Jean P. Molleston
Prakash Masand
Daniel H. Leung
Samuel Chang
Michael R. Narkewicz
Adina L. Alazraki
A. Jay Freeman
Randolph K. Otto
Nicole Green
Ihab R. Kamel
Wikrom W. Karnsakul
John C. Magee
Jean Tkach
Joseph J. Palermo
Publication date: 28-07-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-023-05706-6

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Springer Medicine

Prospective study of quantitative liver MRI in cystic fibrosis: feasibility and comparison to PUSH cohort ultrasound

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Graphical abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Graphical abstract

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