Noninvasive detection of NASH by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)

PROJECT NARATIVE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition with rising prevalence in parallel to the obesity epidemic. In a proportion of subjects with NAFLD, excess liver fat can lead to inflammation (NASH) and subsequent progression to liver scarring (cirrhosis). Currently there are no methods to detect liver inflammation, except for liver biopsy. This test has limited applicability because it is invasive and can be associated with complications such as bleeding and even death. This study aims to develop a noninvasive method to detect inflammation in the liver that would allow accurate diagnosis of NASH while avoiding liver biopsy. This method consists of a novel magnetic resonance elastogram (MRE) technique, which is performed in approximately 5-10 minutes and does not require intravenous contrast administration. The results of this project could have an important positive impact on the outcomes in patients with NAFLD, by allowing noninvasive detection of patients at risk for progression of liver disease, monitoring of disease progression and response to treatment without the risks associated with liver biopsy.