Role of magnetic resonance elastography in the management of liver-related events in advanced chronic liver disease

Abstract

This research analyzed whether the same liver stiffness (LS) evaluated by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) could predict portal hypertension in 718 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) of multiple etiologies. In CLD, platelet counts decreased from LS ≥ 4 kPa for all causes, and the complication rate of varices increased dramatically. In advanced CLD (ACLD), LS ≥ 6 kPa was independently related to the development of ascites in synchrony with worsening hepatic reserve, and ascites were an independent prognostic factor for ACLD. For all causes, this study shows that MRE is useful for risk evaluation and treatment decisions for portal hypertension.