Assessing liver function: diagnostic efficacy of parenchymal enhancement and liver volume ratio of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI study during interstitial and hepatobiliary phase

Abstract Background: Previous studies have used signal intensity (SI) to reflect liver function. However, few studies have evaluated liver function via the portal vein. Regarding the SI of the liver, spleen, and portal vein, no study has indicated which can best reflect liver function. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether these parameters can evaluate liver function in patients with cirrhosis and determine which is the best parameter.Methods: 120 patients with normal livers (n = 41) or Child–Pugh class A (n = 50), B (n = 21) or C (n = 8) disease who had undergone Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons of the MRI data (liver parenchyma SI, portal vein SI, and spleen SI and liver-to-portal vein contrast ratio (LPC), liver-to-spleen contrast ratio (LSC), and portal vein-to-spleen contrast ratio (PSC)) in the 15-min hepatobiliary phase images were performed among the groups, and the correlations among the liver function parameters (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, platelet count, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio), liver function scores and MRI data were also quantitatively analysed.Results: Significant differences were observed in the liver parenchyma SI, LPC and LSC among the groups. These values all decreased gradually from normal livers to Child–Pugh class C cirrhotic livers (P < 0.001). The portal vein SI constantly and slightly increased from normal livers to Child–Pugh class C cirrhotic livers, but no differences were found among the groups in the portal vein SI and PSC (P > 0.05). LPC showed a stronger correlation with the Child–Pugh score and MELD score than LSC and the liver parenchyma SI. The order of the AUCs of these parameters, from largest to smallest, was as follows: LPC, LSC, and liver parenchyma SI (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The liver parenchyma SI, LSC and LPC may be used as alternative imaging biomarkers to assess liver function, while the portal vein SI and PSC do not reflect liver function. Furthermore, LPC values can more effectively distinguish severity among patients with cirrhosis than the liver parenchyma SI and LSC.

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Evaluation of the liver function by the liver parenchyma, spleen and portal vein signal intensity during the hepatobiliary phase in Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17044/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ming Yang ◽

Yue Zhang ◽

Wenlu Zhao ◽

Wen Cheng ◽

Han Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Function ◽

Portal Vein ◽

Signal Intensity ◽

Liver Parenchyma ◽

International Normalized Ratio ◽

Imaging Biomarkers ◽

Hepatobiliary Phase ◽

Enhanced Mri ◽

Pugh Class ◽

Class C

Abstract Background: Previous studies used the signal intensity (SI) to reflect liver function. However, there are still few studies on the assessment of liver function via the portal vein, and no study has pointed out that in terms of SI (liver, spleen, portal vein), which one can better reflect liver function. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether these parameters can be used to evaluate liver function in patients with cirrhosis and determine which parameter is best.Methods: A total of 120 patients with normal livers (n = 41) or Child–Pugh class A (n = 50), B (n = 21) or C (n = 8) disease who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were retrospectively reviewed. Comparisons of the SI of the liver parenchyma, portal vein, and spleen and liver-to-portal vein (LPC), liver-to-spleen (LSC), and portal vein-to-spleen (PSC) contrast ratios on the 15-min hepatobiliary phase images were performed among groups, and the correlations among liver function parameters (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, creatinine, platelet count, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio), liver function scores and MRI date were also quantitatively analyzed.Results: Significant differences were observed in the SI of the liver parenchyma, LPC and LSC among groups. These values all decreased gradually from normal livers to Child–Pugh class C cirrhotic livers (P < 0.001). The SI of the portal vein constantly and slightly increased from normal livers to Child–Pugh class C cirrhotic livers, but there were no differences among groups in portal vein signal and PSC (P > 0.05). LPC had a stronger correlation with Child-Pugh score and MELD score than LSC and liver parenchyma SI. The order of the AUCs of these parameters, from largest to smallest, was as follows: LPC, LSC, and liver parenchyma SI (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Liver parenchyma SI, LSC and LPC may be used as alternative imaging biomarkers for assessing liver function, while the portal vein signal and PSC could not reflect liver function. Furthermore, LPC values can more effectively distinguish severity among patients with cirrhosis than liver parenchyma SI and LSC.

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Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 relaxometry as an imaging-based liver function test compared with 13C-methacetin breath test

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/0284185119861314 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 61 (3) ◽

pp. 291-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Dorothea Theilig ◽

Ana Tsereteli ◽

Aboelyazid Elkilany ◽

Philip Raabe ◽

Lutz Lüdemann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Function ◽

Liver Function Test ◽

Breath Test ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Liver Volume ◽

Reduction Rate ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Enhanced Mri ◽

Function Test ◽

T1 Relaxometry

Background Gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as an imaging-based liver function test. This study aims to further corroborate its validity. Purpose To compare Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI as an imaging-based liver function test with the 13C-methacetin breath test. Material and Methods Fifty-three patients who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI T1 relaxometry before and 20 min after intravenous Gd-EOB-DTPA administration as well as a 13C-methacetin breath test (LiMAx test) were retrospectively analyzed. T1 relaxation times of liver parenchyma, total liver volume (TLV), and functional liver volume (FLV) were determined. Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed with indices derived from T1 relaxometry, liver volumetry, and laboratory parameters to identify the best predictor of liver function as determined by the LiMAx test. Results T1 reduction rate (T1 RR), T1 RR × TLV, T1 RR × FLV, and T1 relaxation time 20 min after intravenous Gd-EOB administration showed a statistically significant correlation with LiMAx and discriminatory capacity between patients with LiMAx of > and < 315 µg/kg/h. Of the indices investigated, T1 RR showed the best discriminatory capacity and proved to be the only statistically significant parameter in multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusion Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI as an imaging-based liver function test also correlates with the LiMAx test which in turn reflects cytochrome P450 function. The T1 reduction rate of the liver on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI allows prediction of liver function as determined by the LiMAx test both for 1.5 and 3.0 T.

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Correlation of liver enhancement in gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI with liver functions: a multicenter-multivendor analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients from SORAMIC trial

European Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00330-021-08218-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Osman Öcal ◽

Bora Peynircioglu ◽

Christian Loewe ◽

Otto van Delden ◽

Vincent Vandecaveye ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Function ◽

Total Bilirubin ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Gadoxetic Acid ◽

Imaging Biomarker ◽

Hepatobiliary Phase ◽

Platelet Counts ◽

Enhanced Mri ◽

Grading Systems ◽

Liver Functions

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the correlation between liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase and liver function parameters in a multicenter, multivendor study. Methods A total of 359 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI using a standardized protocol with various scanners within a prospective multicenter phase II trial (SORAMIC) were evaluated. The correlation between liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase normalized to the spleen (liver-to-spleen ratio, LSR) and biochemical laboratory parameters, clinical findings related to liver functions, liver function grading systems (Child-Pugh and Albumin-Bilirubin [ALBI]), and scanner characteristics were analyzed using uni- and multivariate analyses. Results There was a significant positive correlation between LSR and albumin (rho = 0.193; p < 0.001), platelet counts (rho = 0.148; p = 0.004), and sodium (rho = 0.161; p = 0.002); and a negative correlation between LSR and total bilirubin (rho = −0.215; p < 0.001) and AST (rho = −0.191; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed independent significance for each of albumin (p = 0.022), total bilirubin (p = 0.045), AST (p = 0.031), platelet counts (p = 0.012), and sodium (p = 0.006). The presence of ascites (1.47 vs. 1.69, p < 0.001) and varices (1.55 vs. 1.69, p = 0.006) was related to significantly lower LSR. Similarly, patients with ALBI grade 1 had significantly higher LSR than patients with grade 2 (1.74 ± 0.447 vs. 1.56 ± 0.408, p < 0.001); and Child-Pugh A patients had a significantly higher LSR than Child-Pugh B (1.67 ± 0.44 vs. 1.49 ± 0.33, p = 0.021). Also, LSR was negatively correlated with MELD-Na scores (rho = −0.137; p = 0.013). However, one scanner brand was significantly associated with lower LSR (p < 0.001). Conclusions The liver enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI is correlated with biomarkers of liver functions in a multicenter cohort. However, this correlation shows variations between scanner brands. Key Points • The correlation between liver enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI and liver function is consistent in a multicenter-multivendor cohort. • Signal intensity–based indices (liver-to-spleen ratio) can be used as an imaging biomarker of liver function. • However, absolute values might change between vendors.

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Assessing liver function by liver enhancement during the hepatobiliary phase with Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI at 3 Tesla

European Radiology ◽

10.1007/s00330-014-3108-y ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 1013-1019 ◽

Cited By ~ 83

Author(s):

N. Verloh ◽

M. Haimerl ◽

F. Zeman ◽

M. Schlabeck ◽

A. Barreiros ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Function ◽

3 Tesla ◽

Hepatobiliary Phase ◽

Enhanced Mri

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Volumetric Assessment and Clinical Predictor of Cirrhotic Livers With Normal Liver Function Undergoing Hepatectomy

10.21203/rs.3.rs-513177/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Takayuki Shimizu ◽

Taku Aoki ◽

Kyung-Hwa Park ◽

Takatsugu Matsumoto ◽

Takayuki Shiraki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Function ◽

Parenchymal Cell ◽

Liver Volume ◽

Volume Ratio ◽

Normal Liver ◽

Cirrhotic Liver ◽

Liver Pathology ◽

Normal Liver Function ◽

Liver Parenchymal Cell ◽

Group A

Abstract Aim: Indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes (ICGR15) is a frequently-used indicator of liver function. However, cirrhotic liver is sometimes observed intraoperatively despite a normal preoperative ICGR15 (<10 %). Herein, we conducted clinical and volumetric assessments of cirrhotic livers with normal ICGR15.Methods: Patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into 3 groups: non-cirrhotic livers (Group A, n=112): cirrhotic livers with ICGR15 <10% (Group B, n=71): and cirrhotic livers with ICGR15 >10% (Group C, n=296). Background characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between groups. Functional liver volume (FLV) was computed using total liver volume and signal intensity ratio. Liver parenchymal cell volume ratio was measured in non-cancerous tissue obtained from resected specimens. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect clinical characteristics correlating with cirrhotic liver pathology with normal ICGR15.Results: There was no significant difference between groups in TLV. FLV was gradually reduced from Group A toward Group C. Liver parenchymal cell volume ratio was also gradually reduced from Group A toward Group C. Multivariate analysis revealed that platelet count (<12 x104/mm3) (P = 0.001) and prothrombin time (<80 %) (P = 0.025) were significantly associated with cirrhotic liver pathology among patients with normal ICGR15.Conclusion: Our results suggested that cirrhotic liver pathology despite normal liver function was characterized by slightly decreasing liver parenchyma as well as slight degree of fibrosis. Platelet count and PT% are useful for predicting liver cirrhosis with normal ICGR15.

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