title: MRI-based estimation of liver function: Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced T1 relaxometry of 3T vs. the MELD score.
abstract: Gd-EOB-DTPA is a hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agent. Due to its hepatocyte-specific uptake and paramagnetic properties, functioning areas of the liver exhibit shortening of the T1 relaxation time. We report the potential use of T1 relaxometry of the liver with Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for estimating the liver function as expressed by the MELD score. 3 T MRI relaxometry was performed before and 20 min after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration. A strong correlation between changes in the T1 relaxometry and the extent of liver disease, expressed by the MELD score, was documented. Reduced liver function correlates with decreased Gd-EOB-DTPA accumulation in the hepatocytes during the hepatobiliary phase. MRI-based T1 relaxometry with Gd-EOB-DTPA may be a useful method for assessing overall and segmental liver function.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haimerl
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Niklas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Verloh
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fellner
authors.affiliation: Center for Clinical Trials, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zeman
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Teufel
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fichtner-Feigl
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Schreyer
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stroszczynski
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wiggermann
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008111:Liver Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; C073590:gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA