Functional MRI to Determine Severity of Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis, Liver Fibrosis

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This is a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of a novel MRI technique to assess the severity of liver cirrhosis and predict complications based on functionality and perfusion measurements whilst maintaining image quality. The principal objective of this pilot study is to assess liver function and the future risk of complications in patients with cirrhosis, using novel techniques and measures based on free-breathing Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI. Specifically the investigators will assess: 1. Whether sufficient data can be generated in patients with cirrhosis whilst maintaining image quality, and 2. The dynamic range of DCE-MRI measures in patients with cirrhosis. This pilot study will, if successful, provide sufficient data to support applications for larger studies to evaluate the clinical utility of a DCE-MRI imaging biomarker in patients with cirrhosis.

This is a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of a novel MRI technique to assess the severity of liver cirrhosis and predict complications based on functionality and perfusion measurements whilst maintaining image quality. Recruitment: Twenty (20) patients with cirrhosis who attend the Leeds Liver Unit at St James's University Hospital will be purposively selected by members of the research team who are also part of the usual care team for these patients in advance of scheduled clinic visits. The selection will be in a way to encompass the full clinical spectrum of liver function within cirrhosis. Scan: An intravenous cannula will be inserted to the patient's arm by the radiographer, for the automated administration of contrast agent during the scan. The participant will be asked to remain still on his/her back throughout the duration of the scan. Patients will undergo a full MRI protocol including morphological imaging, fibrosis scoring tests based on relaxometry and diffusion maps, and the novel functional technique. After the scan: The participant will not have to attend any extra clinics or scan appointments. The research team (that includes members of the participants ongoing care team) will continue to track the health condition of the participant over a long-term period (5 years) to collect information with regards to clinical events such as hospital admissions, change in treatment, further procedures and death. The clinical follow-up information will be collected as part of routine care through scheduled ongoing outpatient appointments. The data acquired during the scans will be analysed using a novel method to quantify liver function and the liver images will be reviewed by an expert radiologist to ensure that the quality of these is sufficient for future clinical application. A cross-sectional data analysis will be performed to identify associations between the functional biomarkers and clinical indices for the assessment of liver fibrosis.

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