Quantitative Liver MRI

Abnormal accumulation of iron (iron overload) and fat (steatosis) are common manifestations of diffuse liver diseases, which can progress through fibrosis, cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver failure if timely interventions are not provided. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a clinically significant non-invasive quantitative tool for independently assessing hepatic iron overload and steatosis. However, these pathologies often co-exist to varying degrees and interfere with the acquired MRI signal, thus biasing the assessments of iron overload and steatosis. Our research evaluates the contribution of size and distribution of iron and fat deposits on MRI signals via simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo studies to determine an accurate MRI signal model and develop automated methods for simultaneous assessment of iron overload and steatosis.