Evaluating the Added Value of MRI in Detecting Significant Hepatic Histological Changes in Chronic HBV Patients with Normal ALT Levels

Motivation: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal ALT may exhibit significant liver histological changes (SLHC), meeting the histological criteria for initiating antiviral treatment. Goal(s): To develop a non-invasive combined model assessing the additional value of MRI in detecting SLHC in CHB patients with normal ALT. Approach: Radiomic features were extracted from the entire liver to develop the MR model. Independent risk factors among clinical variables were integrated with the MR model to create the AAPFR model. The NEWMODEL incorporated AAPFR with FibroScan. Results: The AAPFR demonstrated satisfactory performance, outperforming the APRI. The NEWMODEL exhibited improved diagnostic efficacy and added value to the FibroScan. Impact: The NEWMODEL exhibited improved diagnostic efficacy and added value to APRI and FibroScan. This non-invasive model showed great value of MRI in detecting SLHC, providing a more precise method to make antiviral therapy decision for CHB patients with normal ALT.