Pediatric MR elastography of hepatic fibrosis: principles, technique and early clinical experience

Pediatr Radiol. 2012 Apr;42(4):402-9. doi: 10.1007/s00247-011-2298-6. Epub 2011 Nov 27.

Abstract

Numerous pediatric conditions result in hepatic fibrosis. As treatments develop for the underlying disorders, a non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis would be beneficial as an adjunct or possible replacement for the traditional gold standard, liver biopsy. Magnetic resonance elastography is a noninvasive imaging technique that has been used successfully in adults for identification and assessment of liver fibrosis. This review describes the basic principles of MR elastography as well as the technical aspects specific to children. Clinical pediatric applications, limitations and areas for future research are described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity