Time-Dependent Diffusion MRI for Quantitative Microstructural Mapping of Liver fibrosis to cirrhosis

Motivation: The potential of characterizing cellular tissue microstructures using recently developed time-dependent diffusion MRI has been examined. Goal(s): However, its value in imaging liver fibrosis to cirrhosis remains unknown. Approach: In this study, we conducted a preclinical investigation using a dietondiethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat liver fibrosis model with temporal diffusion spectroscopy (TDS) MRIResults: Our findings revealed that the diameter, intracellular volume fraction (Vin), and cellularity were associated with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. Moreover, the diameter and Vin demonstrated better discrimination ability in the model. Overall, these prognostic indicators exhibit significant potential for clinical application. Impact: This research highlighted the promising applications of temporal diffusion spectroscopy MRI in evaluating liver fibrosis. Our results indicated innovative noninvasive indicators for liver fibrosis, so as to early identify those who need to be referred to clinics for further assessment.