Multiparametric 3D Vector Magnetic Resonance Elastography Reveals Hepatic Biphasic Mechanical Properties in Rat Models of Portal Hypertension

Motivation: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE)-assessed viscoelastic parameters can differentiate the fluid and solid phases of liver tissue, potentially serving as an imaging biomarker for fluid pressure-related pathology Goal(s): To explore the role of multiparametric 3D MRE techniques in characterizing biphasic mechanical properties in rats with portal hypertension (PHTN) Approach: Multiparametric dual-frequency 3D MRE was used to evaluate the biphasic mechanical properties of the liver in a PHTN rat model Results: Liver stiffness (LS) and loss modulus (LM) were both correlated with portal pressure. LS had the best correlation with the fibrosis extent (r =0.770), while LM with the interstitial fluid pressure (r =0.479). Impact: Advanced MRE assessment of tissue mechanical properties offer novel imaging biomarkers for fluid pressure-related pathological processes. This approach promising approach for evaluating new therapeutic interventions for portal hypertension.