Repeatability of MRI cytometry of the liver on clinical 3T scanners

Motivation: Noninvasive measurement of liver cell sizes and densities is clinically important. Goal(s): Assess the repeatability of liver cell size and density mapping using MRI cytometry, a diffusion MRI-based imaging technique. Approach: In vivo MRI cytometry was repeated twice with intervals of 2-7 days for six healthy subjects. Results: MRI-derived liver cell size and density exhibited high repeatability, with significant correlations (r2 = 0.89 and 0.91 for cell size and cell density, respectively; [P< 0.0001]). Impact: Our findings indicate that a liver MRI cytometry protocol can be implemented on standard clinical 3T scanners with satisfactory repeatability in under 12 minutes, thus affirming the potential for broader clinical adoption in the future.