Identification of Hepatic Fibrosis Using 4D-MRI

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BASEL, SWITZERLAND · May 17, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new method called 4D-MRI, which uses advanced imaging technology to help doctors better understand liver diseases, specifically by measuring liver stiffness. The goal is to find a non-invasive way to assess liver fibrosis, which is the scarring of the liver that can occur with chronic liver diseases. This approach could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for patients suffering from conditions like fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune liver disease.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease. However, there are certain criteria that could exclude someone from joining, such as having certain medical implants, being pregnant, or having active liver cancer. Participants can expect to undergo the 4D-MRI procedure, which is designed to safely gather important information about their liver health. Overall, this trial aims to improve the way liver diseases are diagnosed and managed, which could be beneficial for many patients in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age ≥ 18 years
• • (a) Patients with histologically confirmed chronic liver disease, including NAFLD, ALD, viral hepatitis B and C, genetic (e.g. Wilson disease, hemochromatosis) or autoimmune liver disease
• • (b) Patients with acute liver inflammation or cardiac blood congestion to the liver (as assessed by laboratory values, imaging findings and clinical history)
• • ability to understand and consent to participate in this study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Medical implant like cardiac pacemaker, pump, hip prosthesis
• • Metallic objects in the body (e.g. splinters after an accident)
• • Persons who have undergone brain or cardiac surgery
• • Claustrophobia
• • Body Weight \>140kg or as provided by the MR manufacturer
• • Pregnant and lactating women
• • (a) Active hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (remark: patients with a history of HCC and curative treatment can be included)
• • (a) CHILD C cirrhosis
• • (a) and (b) Patients with overt ascites (except if they respond to diuretic treatment and the ascites resolves)
• • (c) Metabolic syndrome, BMI \>30 kg/m2
• • (c) Acute or chronic liver disease
• • Patients not willing or able to give a written informed consent