Proton spin-spin relaxation times as liver transplantation graft viability parameter.

In this study, spin-spin relaxation time T2 of stored rat liver grafts was investigated and correlated with other viability parameters. Five different storage solutions were applied and T2 as well as overall tissue water content, bile flow, and energy charge were determined for increasing durations of cold storage (1-48 hr). Good correlation between T2 and tissue water content was detected. In a subset of experiments, dealing with additional warm ischemia after cold storage, the relative increase of T2 and energy charge showed a very good correlation. The results suggest the possible use of relaxation time parameters as liver graft viability parameters in a combined protocol of rapid viability assays for human liver transplantation surgery.