Simultaneous Quantification of Liver Fat Content, Fatty Acid Composition, and Fibrosis Using Spin-lock MRI for Steatohepatitis Assessment

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · May 17, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to assess non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), specifically focusing on conditions known as simple steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The researchers aim to develop a non-invasive MRI technique that can quickly measure important factors in the liver, such as fat content, types of fatty acids, and fibrosis (scarring), all in less than 14 seconds. This method offers a safer alternative to traditional liver biopsies, which involve taking a tissue sample from the liver and can be uncomfortable and risky.

To participate in the study, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old and be diagnosed with NAFLD, meaning they have either simple steatosis or NASH and are scheduled for a liver biopsy. Healthy volunteers will also be included, but they must not have any liver lesions. Participants can expect to undergo an MRI scan as part of the trial, which does not require any injections and involves no extra hardware. The study will help determine how effective this new MRI method is compared to standard biopsy techniques for diagnosing liver conditions, potentially paving the way for better, non-invasive assessments in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Between 18 and 65 years of age.
• • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients at stage of either Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or simple steatosis
• • NAFLD patients scheduled to undergo liver biopsy.
• • No abnormal lesions detected at baseline MRI exam for healthy volunteers.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Evidence of hepatocarcinoma (HCC) or any other types of neoplasm.
• • Patients who had undergone liver transplantation.
• • Any contraindications to either liver biopsy or MRI scan.