Feasibility of BOLD, TOLD and 4D flow MRI for Assessment of Oxygen Consumption in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Motivation: To evaluate oxygen consumption as a potential biomarker of MASLD. Goal(s): Assess the feasibility of BOLD, TOLD and 4D Flow MRI to detect liver oxygen changes in patients with varying stages of MASLD. Approach: Changes in R1, R2* and portal flow were compared across four conditions: 1) preprandial breathing room air, 2) preprandial breathing 100% O2, 3) postprandial breathing room air, and postprandial breathing 100% O2, in healthy controls and compared to patients with varying stages of MASLD. Results: Changes in R2* significantly differed between controls (-9.8%) and advanced MASLD (-0.4%). O2 use showed a trend toward decreased portal flow in MASLD. Impact: Oxygen consumption measurements made using quantitative MRI methods could serve as a potential biomarker for early, reversible changes in cellular function/metabolism in MASLD.