MR-based segmental quantification of hepatic lipid content in patients with suspected iron overload

Purpose To investigate the segmental distribution of hepatic fat fraction in hematologic patients. Methods The liver of 44 patients examined with 3D MR multi-echo gradient-echo was segmented semiautomatically and subdivided into nine segments. Segmental fat content was determined on PDFF maps and tested for statistically significant differences. Results Highly significant differences were detected. Segments 1 to 3 had the highest fat content, segments 7 and 8 the lowest. Conclusions Our results suggest that liver segments may represent functional aspects in fat metabolism and/or storage in addition to their anatomical significance. Fat distribution in hematologic patients was similar to living donors.