Functional MRI to determine severity of cirrhosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prediction of outcomes in cirrhosis using novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging biomarkers of liver function
IRAS ID
224109
Contact name
Ian Rowe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 3 days
Research summary
The clinical outcome for patients with liver disease is determined by the degree of scarring in the liver. If it is severe, then this is termed cirrhosis and complications of liver disease may occur. Prediction of when these complications will arise is challenging and at present requires a combination of tests, including blood tests, ultrasound scans and endoscopy tests.\n\nWe have recently developed a novel technique to characterize liver function based on Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI. DCE-MRI uses a liver specific contrast agent that demonstrates blood flow into liver cells, and measures the cells ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste products, reflecting liver function and perfusion across the whole liver.\n\nUsing DCE-MRI in combination with measures of fibrosis and blood flow through the liver derived from the same MRI, offers the potential for a “one-stop“ assessment of liver function and the future risk of complications.\n\nThe aim of this pilot study is to evaluate this MRI technique in patients with cirrhosis. Specifically we will assess: \n1. Whether sufficient data can be generated in patients with cirrhosis whilst maintaining image quality, \n2. The dynamic range of DCE-MRI measures in patients with cirrhosis, and\n3. The correlation of the DCE-MRI measures with clinical outcomes.\n\nThis pilot study will, if successful, provide sufficient data to support applications for larger studies to evaluate the clinical utility of a DCE-MRI imaging biomarker in patients with cirrhosis.\n\nImaging will take place in the recently completed MRC National Centre for Hyperpolarized MRI, at the Advanced Imaging Centre of the Leeds General Infirmary. This is equipped with a state-of-the-art 3T Siemens MRI scanner and supported by an on-site Siemens collaboration manager.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0375
Date of REC Opinion
19 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion