One MRI scan that measures liver fat, iron, and scarring
Project 3: A Novel Simultaneous Multiparametric MRI Approach for the Quantitative Assessment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
A new MRI method uses a single scan to measure liver fat, iron, and scarring for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11372037 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, this project uses a single, fast MRI scan to capture several measurements at once—fat content, iron levels, and tissue stiffness linked to scarring. The researchers combine different MRI techniques simultaneously to produce quantitative maps of the liver without routine biopsy. They will compare these MRI results to current standards like magnetic resonance elastography and, when available, biopsy findings to check accuracy. Over time this could allow doctors to track disease progression or response to lifestyle changes and treatments using repeat imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with suspected or diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who can safely undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People with MRI-incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or liver disease unrelated to NAFLD may not be eligible or benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide accurate, noninvasive measures of liver damage and reduce the need for biopsy.
How similar studies have performed: Related MRI tools such as magnetic resonance elastography and MRI proton-density fat fraction have shown promise, but combining multiple quantitative measures in one simultaneous scan is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Honolulu, United States
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — Honolulu, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rettenmeier, Christoph Alexander — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Rettenmeier, Christoph Alexander
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.