Comparison of MR Elastography Methods Without and With Compressed Sensing

Comparison of MR Elastography Methods Without and With Compressed Sensing

In this research study, the investigators will compare the liver stiffness results obtained from the current Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method to liver stiffness results obtained from a method that uses faster imaging techniques.

MR elastography is increasingly used to assess liver stiffness in pediatric and adult patients with chronic liver diseases. While numerous tissue abnormalities can affect liver stiffness, liver stiffness measured by MR elastography is most often used to predict and quantify liver fibrosis. Conventional MR elastography techniques require multiple breath-holds that are 12-20 seconds in length. In the pediatric population, reliable breath-holding >10 seconds can be challenging. Recently, compressed sensing has become available as a method for accelerating image data acquisition, and thus shortening breath-holds.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult volunteers ≥18 years of age
• Ability to tolerate 30 minutes in an MRI scanner.
• Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the MRI scan

Exclusion Criteria:

• No contraindication to MR imaging (e.g., implanted non-MRI compatible device)
• Known or suspected pregnancy. Female subjects of child bearing potential will undergo a urine pregnancy test prior to imaging.