A new study shows that an imaging technology developed by Mayo Clinic researchers can identify liver fibrosis with high accuracy and help eliminate the need for liver biopsies. Liver fibrosis is a common condition that can lead to incurable cirrhosis if not treated in time. The study, which included 113 patients, was presented Nov. 3 at The Liver Meeting, an annual gathering of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, in San Francisco.
The technology, called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), produces color-coded images known as elastograms that indicate how internal organs, muscles and tissues would feel to the touch. Red is the stiffest; purple, the softest. Other imaging techniques do not provide this information.
“Knowing the liver’s elasticity or stiffness is invaluable in diagnosing liver disease,” says Jayant Talwalkar, M.D., M.P.H., a Mayo Clinic hepatologist and co-investigator on the study. “A healthy liver is very soft, while a liver with early disease begins to stiffen. A liver with cirrhosis, advanced liver disease, can be rock hard.”
For more information, please watch our Medical Edge Story on MRE.
12 Comments
I received a letter signed by Dr. Talwalkar M.D., M.P.H asking me if I would be interested in taking part in his study of using MR elastography to evaluate liver conditions. I am not opposed to taking part in this research endeavor but I am wondering if this will be at a cost to me and my insurance. I don’t beleive my insurance will cover this type of procedure if other means have been used and a conclusion has been made. My recent liver biopsy (ouch) determined that I had little to minimal scarring from carrying Hep. C around for the past 35 years. Please advise.
Hi Debra,
Thank you for your question. I will look into this more and share a response with you soon.
Debra,
I talked to the research study coordinator working with Dr. Talwalkar. The MRE test for this study is covered, but other expenses (such as your transportation to the test) are not covered. The research coordinator, Stephanie, will be in touch with you to offer more information.
Thank you.
Is this research open to candidates? I recently had a liver biopsy and have been diagnosed with Stage 2 Fibrosis. It took me 5 weeks to recover completely from the biopsy. I am very interested in participating. Thank you
Anthony M.
Hi Anthony,
I will send you an email with more information. Thank you.
Hello,
I am very interested and would like to make an appointment to have a MRE performed.
I recently had my appendix removed 2 weeks ago and the doctor informed me that my liver was yellow and that i should watch my alcohol intake as well as food intake.
I would like to know if my insurance will cover this test.
I have all my blood tests from last week and 2 others showing good on Bil and Alb.
Please advice when I can drive up to have this performed and if it will be covered by insurance.
John McHugh
Hello Mr. McHugh,
I’ve sent a note to Dr. Talwalkar’s office. A member of his staff, Stephanie, will be calling you.
Thank you very much for your time.
Hello,
I had surgery at the Mayo (Rochester) in 2004 for crohn’s disease. I also have Hep C and am very interested in learning about your new MRE technology. Are you looking for candidates for this study. Also, if you are not interested in subjects for your study could you please tell me how much this test would cost. Thank you in advance.
Brian Madore
3/25/09
Is the MRE available at this time? Is it still part of a study? Is it only available at Mayo Clinic?
How would I go about making an appt?
I have an appt with gastro to discuss Hepatitis C evaluation. I completed chemo for NHL DLBC Stage IV Aug 2008. Gastro has been monitoring my Hepatitis C, waiting for me to be completely recovered from chemo. Liver Biopsy would be invasive and risky. My platelets and WBC Count are below normal. I am alcohol free for 14 months and intend to stay that way.
Thanks very much.
Thank you for your interest. I’ve forwarded your notes to Dr. Talwalkar’s office and one of his staff will be in touch.
I was recently diagnosed with fatty liver disease and also diabetes. My ALT is 103 & the AST is 76,triglicerides are 158 & HDL is 31. Also my creatinine is .53 & amylase is 21. I had a CT scan with contrast & it shows my liver is at the upper limits of normal in size and the lower limits of normal in density. Would like this test instead of a biopsy. Could this be scheduled?
Hi Ellen,
I’ve sent a note to Dr. Talwalkar’s office. A member of his staff, Stephanie, will be calling you.
Thank you.