The role of Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Young Award

【Introduction】
Mechanical parameters (shear stiffness(G’), loss modulus(G”) and G”/G’) can be obtained with 3DMRE. Recent studies have shown that G”/G’ have correlation with activity at early stage of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to examine the role of 3D MRE in NAFLD patients.
【Methods】
Two exams were performed. First, 35 patients performed 3DMRE exam and histologic evaluation were studied. We evaluated the relationship between the MRE parameter G”/G’ and histologic features. Second, 58 patients underwent 3DMRE follow-up 1 year later were studied. We compared the relationship between G”/G’ and liver stiffness(LS) change. They were instructed to improve liver damage over the course.
【Results】
The relationship between G”/G’ and histological features were examined by dividing into three groups according to LS(kPa) (LS<2.61, 2.69≤LS<3.62, 3.62≤LS). In the low LS group (LS<2.61), G”/G’ was significantly associated with ballooning (+vs-: G”/G’0.17 vs 0.12, p = 0.015). Second exam, over the course of one year, body weight decreased by an average of -3.8% (p <0.001). In 35 cases of LS <2.61 kPa, the decrease in LS was BW<-7%, -7≤BW<-3%, -3%≤BW: 80.0%, 66.7%, 44.4% (Cochran-Armitage p=0.104). Furthermore, G”/G’<0.15 group was 100.0%, 83.3%, 44.4% (p=0.04), 0.15≤G” group was 50.0%, 50.0%, 44.4% (p=0.17) respectively.
【Conclusion】
G”/G’ correlated with ballooning in low LS cases, and high G”/G’ were less likely to decrease LS. 3D MRE may be useful for predicting NAFLD progress.