MR elastography of the liver: comparison of three measurement methods

Abstract

AIM: To analyse the inter- and intra-observer agreement of liver stiffness value (LSV) using three methods with 3 T magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and to investigate factors related to LSV difference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 147 patients. Two independent observers measured the LSV using three region of interest (ROI) methods: (1) circular ROI with a radius of 1 cm in the right lobe, (2) largest ROI possible, and (3) average value considering the measurement area. The agreement and factors related to difference of LSV were investigated.

RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients were excellent at 0.982-0.997 in all methods. The differences between observers for method 1 were significantly larger than those of method 2 or method 3 (p<0.001). The ChildePugh classification was only related to LSV difference (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Methods 2 and 3 were significantly more reliable than method 1. The Child-Pugh classification was only related to difference of LSV.