Quantitative Determination of Brain Water Content in Patients During and After Hepatic Encepalopathy

Quantitative Determination of Brain Water Content in Patients During and After Hepatic Encepalopathy Measured by MR

There is increasing evidence that the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is tightly associated with low-grade cerebral edema. Uptake of ammonia in astrocytes leads to osmotic swelling caused by glutamine formation. Previous studies were performed in covert HE patients or used indirect methods.

Methods: The investigators wish to describes quantitative measurement of localized water content using MRI water mapping in a cohort of patients with cirrhosis during an episode of overt HE type C and again after recovery. Furthermore patients with cirrhosis and no history of HE and healthy subjects will be investigated as controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with type C HE during and after HE,
• Patients with stable cirrhosis and
• Healthy subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with pace-maker
• Metal implants