Multiparametric MRI as a Diagnostic Tool for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Motivation: The reference standard for diagnosing Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is invasive liver biopsy. There is a need for non-invasive diagnostic methods to assess MASLD. Goal(s): The goal was to determine if multiparametric MRI, including cT1-mapping, MR elastography, intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI and proton-density fat fraction, can effectively diagnose metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Approach: The diagnostic potential of multiparametric MRI parameters was assessed in 75 MASLD patients from the ongoing Amsterdam MASLD cohort study ANCHOR. Results: Results demonstrated that multiparametric MRI can play a role in diagnosing MASLD stages, providing an alternative non-invasive diagnostic method to liver biopsies. Impact: This research enables non-invasive diagnosis of Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease by combining cT1, MRE stiffness, and blood marker AST. This provides an alternative to liver biopsy, allowing assessment of the entire liver, which could significantly impact clinical practice and trials.