Differential diagnosis of hepatic iron contents in simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis using multiecho Dixon magnetic resonance imaging

Non-invasive monitoring liver iron content (LIC) is critical for clinical management or effective therapeutic strategy of patients because the increment of iron accumulation within the liver may contribute to liver disease via the production of reactive oxygen species. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States and is reported to between 10% and 30%, with similar rates reported from Europe and Asia. However, it is difficult to distinguish the sub-groups in NAFLD, especially simple steatosis (SS) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), unless by liver biopsy. Therefore, it is important to monitor liver iron content (LIC) in NASH patients for clinical management or effective therapeutic strategy of patients.