For more than a decade now, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Elastography, or MRE, has become the gold standard in non-invasive examination to evaluate liver elasticity and related diseases. FDA-approved MRE is of exceptional value in diagnosing and managing chronic liver disease, and can often replace invasive needle biopsy.
Chronic liver disease accounts for more than 25,000 deaths in the US each year. Its causes include alcohol, hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Left untreated, chronic liver disease can progress into inflammation and scarring of tissue, a condition called fibrosis, and then to cirrhosis, in which the liver becomes so scarred that blood flow becomes compromised, causing portal hypertension, an enlarged spleen, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic decompensation and, in advanced cases, death.
Catching chronic liver disease early, before it can progress into fibrosis and cirrhosis, can allow treatment so successful that the liver, a highly resilient organ, can return to a state that is very close to normal. That’s why MRE is such a superb imaging tool to help preserve health and life.
What is MRE of the Liver?
Elastography is a test using high-field MRI to measure the liver’s elasticity. Non-invasive, radiation-free MRI directs low frequency vibrations to the liver and measures the wavelengths that move through the tissue. A normal liver will produce slower wavelengths than a liver with any stiffness. The longer the wavelength measured by the scan, the greater the rigidity of the liver. The data collected by the MRI is sent to a computer to create a visual map of the liver and any disease present.
“Before MRE became the preferred diagnostic tool for assessment of chronic liver disease, we relied on percutaneous liver biopsy,” says Body MRI subspecialist Dr. Edson G. Cortes. “It involves using image guidance to insert a needle through the abdomen into the liver to collect a tissue sample. While it has its place in diagnostic care, liver biopsy is invasive, painful and inferior to MRE in catching very early changes in liver elasticity. MRE has changed how most cases are diagnosed and treatment staged. I’m glad to be part of this profound improvement in care.”
Getting an MRE
RAO offers high-field MRI Elastography at its Medical Imaging Center in Ocala.
Detailed instructions are provided before this exam. In general, people are advised to avoid food and sugary beverages 6-8 hours beforehand, as they can influence measurements. Unless instructed otherwise, people can take their regular medications.
During an MRE, you lie down on a moveable padded table. The table slides into the imaging machine until it surrounds the abdominal area. An injectable contrast agent may be used for enhanced detail. A specialized device that looks like a paddle is gently secured over the abdomen to direct sound waves directly to the liver. The vibrating sensations it creates are not painful. You will be asked for hold your breath for brief periods while images are being captured.
Because radiation-free MRE utilizes a powerful magnet and radio waves to collect information, the MRI machine produces loud knocking, tapping and other noises that some people find distracting. You will be provided ear plugs to help minimize noise. Once your radiologist finalizes your exam report, it will be sent to your referring clinician, who will notify you and explain your results.
Why Choose RAO for MRE?
RAO maintains ongoing accreditation from the American College of Radiology for accuracy, safety and best practice standards in MR imaging. Our radiology team includes highly dedicated doctors who subspecialize in MRI technologies, for superior skill, experience and capability in diagnosing and monitoring disease. All imaging studies are interpreted in-house by our radiologists, and not sent to outside facilities for interpretation as with some diagnostic centers.
Our entire care team is committed to precise, technologically-advanced diagnostics and a gentle, welcoming environment.
