Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI Grading of Liver Fibrosis Using the Elimination Rate of Gd-EOB-DTPA

Jonathan P. Dyke¹, Pascal Spincemaille¹, Andrew Talal², Rhonda Yantiss³, Krishna Juluru¹

Whole liver dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE-MRI) was performed on control and Hepatitis-C subjects using the liver specific contrast agent Gd-EOB-DTPA (Eovist). The elimination rate of contrast (kel) from the liver was fit with a 2 compartment model and correlated with the degree of fibrosis assessed via liver biopsy. A cutoff value was found that allowed for identification of subjects having fibrosis grade 3 or greater based on their elimination rate. This technique may also provide information on regional liver function at the biopsy site and specific segments of the liver.