Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of experimentally induced liver disease.

Abstract

Experimental animal models [rats] of hepatitis, fatty liver and hepatic Fe overload were evaluated using a 3.5-kGauss NMR imaging system. Increases in image intensity measurements and in T2 relaxation times equalled the sensitivity of histologic findings for the detection of early stages of hepatitis. A significant shift in T1 relaxation times characterized the early stages of hepatic necrosis. Liver triglyceride content correlated significantly with increases in NMR intensity measurements (P < 0.01); however, changes in liver water content had a much greater influence on intensity, T1 and T2. Thus, it may be possible to distinguish hepatitis from benign fatty liver. Liver Fe content correlated with decreases in NMR intensity measurements (P < 0.001), and Fe levels as low as 1.2 mg/g were detected. NMR may more specifically identify hepatocellular Fe overload than do other techniques that do not distinguish hepatocellular from reticuloendothelial Fe.