The efficacy of magnetic resonance elastography in predicting esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose To determine the efficacy of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in predicting the presence and the severity of oesophageal varices in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Material and methods This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. A total of 165 consecutive adult patients with CLD were examined with multiparametric liver magnetic resonance imaging, including MRE. Among them, 57 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was performed with MRE. Results Forty-two patients had oesophageal varices, 31 of which were endoscopically grade 2 or 3. The median LSM was 4.8 kPa in patients with oesophageal varices, whereas it was 3.2 kPa in patients without varices (p < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between LSMs and the presence of oesophageal varices (p = 0.016). When the threshold stiffness value was set as 4 kPa, the area under the ROC curve, the sensitivity, and the specificity of MRE in predicting oesophageal varices were 0.80, 69%, and 73%, respectively. Sensitivity was 81% for predicting high-risk varices. Multivariable logistic regression showed that LSMs by MRE and high Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) Index scores were predictors of oesophageal varices in patients. Conclusions As a non-invasive method, MRE can predict the presence of oesophageal varices in patients with CLD.
Source: Polish Journal of Radiology
DOI: 10.5114/pjr/208206
Authors: MEHMET ADIGÜZEL, Ayşe Erden, Digdem Kuru Oz, Emin Bodakcı, Ramazan Idilman
Institutions: Ankara University, Gaziantep Şehir Hastanesi
Language: English
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416554392