Liver Fibrosis Evaluation with MRI- A Primer for Engineers, Physicists, and Technologists

Knowledge of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis (LF) is important to understand the application of MRI techniques in the evaluation of LF. LF is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, predominantly in the collagen content that leads to measurable changes in MRI signal and also mechanical properties. In this educational exhibit, we will describe the pathology and evolution of LF in chronic liver diseases. Next, we will describe key concepts that form the basis for several MRI techniques for LF evaluation. An outline of confounders, limitations, current and future applications of the MRI techniques will be provided.