Multi-organ assessment of compensated cirrhosis patients using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging
This study assesses the changes to structure, blood flow and perfusion that occur in the key organs (liver, spleen and kidney) associated with severe liver disease (Compensated Cirrhosis), using magnetic resonance imaging. The magnetic resonance imaging measures which changed with disease severity and were related to negative liver-related clinical outcomes are described.
Figure: Multi-organ changes demonstrated in this study in compensated and decompensated liver disease. Infographic to pictorially illustrate the changes in key organs (heart, liver, splanchnic and kidney) demonstrated in this study of contemporaneous MR measures in compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. A hyperdynamic circulation results in increased blood flow in the liver, splanchnic circulation and increased cardiac output in patients with CC, with further increases in spleen blood flow and cardiac index in patients with DC. Here liver and splenic perfusion was shown to be reduced in patients with CC compared to the HV group, and perfusion in these organs is further reduced in those with DC. No significant change in renal perfusion was found between patients with CC and DC, and the HV group. Liver tissue T1 increased in patients with CC compared to HVs, and further increased in those with DC. Spleen T1 was only significantly different from the HV group in DC patients. In contrast renal T1 was reduced in patients with CC and further reduced in those with DC, compared to HVs. LV wall mass was significantly reduced in patients with DC compared to HVs, whilst liver volume was found to increase only in patients with CC, and spleen volume was increased in patients with CC and DC compared to HVs. CC, Compensated Cirrhosis; DC, Decompensated Cirrhosis; HV, Healthy Volunteers.