The early results from Liver Multiscan using MRI have looked promising. Using MR spectroscopy, sequences can show the amount of Iron and/or fat in a liver, and the T1 Virtual Mapping gives a very intimate picture of the liver architecture. Masses, such as HCC, can be easily seen, and then require further assessment with contrast. This should make the distinction between F3 and F4 quite easy.
Not sure about the isotope measurements. The amount of Type 1 collagen is useful to know, but there is no information about liver architecture.
Rubye: Ultrasound will pick up most HCC's > 15mm. in most people. A lot depends on the skill of the Sonographer and the patient habitus. MRI with contrast may pick up slightly smaller lesions. I'm now happy to have 6 monthly Ultrasounds, as I can pick the Sonographer, and my liver has become easier to see. Cheers
Rubye said
Mar 15, 2015
I guess it would also show cancer. I really worry so much less than I did a year ago but still have some concern about cancer due to cirrhosis, being older, and because my mother had liver cancer.
Do most people have MRI's once a year to check for cancer? My mother's never showed up with ultrasound and they only found it when she went to Mayo where they did a MRI. My doctors keep saying ultrasounds are adequate.
suziq said
Mar 15, 2015
While this article targets NASH rather than Hep C, the information is appropriate for all of us needing biopsies. I,also, was surprised at the number of people without Hep C that have or are in danger of developing cirrhosis.
The prospect of having effective techniques of assessing liver damage without biopsy is exciting. Now that I am SVR, it would be nice to know how my cirrhosis is progressing or regressing as time goes by. And a non-invasive manner of assessing our Hep C liver damage is very important for all of us with Hep C. Definitely worth reading.
Hi Suziq,
The early results from Liver Multiscan using MRI have looked promising. Using MR spectroscopy, sequences can show the amount of Iron and/or fat in a liver, and the T1 Virtual Mapping gives a very intimate picture of the liver architecture. Masses, such as HCC, can be easily seen, and then require further assessment with contrast. This should make the distinction between F3 and F4 quite easy.
Not sure about the isotope measurements. The amount of Type 1 collagen is useful to know, but there is no information about liver architecture.
Rubye: Ultrasound will pick up most HCC's > 15mm. in most people. A lot depends on the skill of the Sonographer and the patient habitus. MRI with contrast may pick up slightly smaller lesions. I'm now happy to have 6 monthly Ultrasounds, as I can pick the Sonographer, and my liver has become easier to see. Cheers
Do most people have MRI's once a year to check for cancer? My mother's never showed up with ultrasound and they only found it when she went to Mayo where they did a MRI. My doctors keep saying ultrasounds are adequate.
While this article targets NASH rather than Hep C, the information is appropriate for all of us needing biopsies. I,also, was surprised at the number of people without Hep C that have or are in danger of developing cirrhosis.
The prospect of having effective techniques of assessing liver damage without biopsy is exciting. Now that I am SVR, it would be nice to know how my cirrhosis is progressing or regressing as time goes by. And a non-invasive manner of assessing our Hep C liver damage is very important for all of us with Hep C. Definitely worth reading.
http://news.yahoo.com/market-liver-disease-spawns-race-better-testing-123246123--finance.html?soc_src=copy
Suziq