OBJECTIVES: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following MRI findings were reviewed in 44 patients: periportal T2-weighted hyperintensity, periportal halo sign (T1- and T2-weighted periportal hypointensity), lymphadenopathy, signs of portal hypertension and morphological liver changes. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated for six locations in the liver for b = 800 s/mm(2). RESULTS: Periportal hyperintensity and periportal halo sign were observed in 72.7% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. Lymphadenopathy was noted in 28 patients (63.6%) and diffuse hepatomegaly in 18 (40.9%). Significant positive correlation was observed between histological stage and periportal halo sign (p = 0.613), hepatomegaly (p = 0.443), and portosystemic collaterals (p = 0.391). The mean ADCs (×10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly different at stage I versus III and IV, and stage II versus IV. No significant difference was found between stages II and III. For prediction of stage ≥ II and stage ≥ III areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.879 and 0.906, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI with DWI could be used as a part of diagnostic protocol in the further evaluation of PBC patients providing noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis progression. KEY POINTS: • MRI provides insight into the morphological liver changes in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) • The periportal "halo" sign is a highly specific finding in PBC • Diffusion-weighted MR imaging allows noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis grade.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following MRI findings were reviewed in 44 patients: periportal T2-weighted hyperintensity, periportal halo sign (T1- and T2-weighted periportal hypointensity), lymphadenopathy, signs of portal hypertension and morphological liver changes. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated for six locations in the liver for b = 800 s/mm(2). RESULTS: Periportal hyperintensity and periportal halo sign were observed in 72.7% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. Lymphadenopathy was noted in 28 patients (63.6%) and diffuse hepatomegaly in 18 (40.9%). Significant positive correlation was observed between histological stage and periportal halo sign (p = 0.613), hepatomegaly (p = 0.443), and portosystemic collaterals (p = 0.391). The mean ADCs (×10(-3) mm(2)/s) were significantly different at stage I versus III and IV, and stage II versus IV. No significant difference was found between stages II and III. For prediction of stage ≥ II and stage ≥ III areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.879 and 0.906, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI with DWI could be used as a part of diagnostic protocol in the further evaluation of PBC patients providing noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis progression. KEY POINTS: • MRI provides insight into the morphological liver changes in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) • The periportal "halo" sign is a highly specific finding in PBC • Diffusion-weighted MR imaging allows noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis grade.
Authors: Bachir Taouli; Anuj J Tolia; Mariela Losada; James S Babb; Edwin S Chan; Michael A Bannan; Hillel Tobias Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 3.959
Authors: Hiromitsu Onishi; Daniel Theisen; Reinhart Zachoval; Maximilian F Reiser; Christoph J Zech Journal: Medicine (Baltimore) Date: 2019-03 Impact factor: 1.817