Magnetic Resonance Elastography for Detecting Decompensation in Cirrhotic Patients with Different Volumes of Ascites

Motivation: Ascites is a critical indicator of decompensation in cirrhotic patients. However, the diagnostic accuracy of clinical assessments in patients with no or minimal ascites is suboptimal due to the absence of quantitative indicators. Goal(s): This study aims to detect decompensation in cirrhotic patients with varying volumes of ascites using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). Approach: Liver shear stiffness(LSS) was measured using MRE in 70 cirrhotic patients and compared across different volumes of ascites. Results: LSS demonstrated superior performance in distinguishing between compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients, particularly in those with no or minimal ascites. Impact: This study highlights the effectiveness of magnetic resonance elastography in accurately detecting decompensation in cirrhotic patients, particularly those with no or minimal ascites, thereby improving diagnostic precision and potentially guiding better clinical management of liver disease.