Automated MRI for liver imaging

Fully Automated High-Throughput Quantitative MRI of the Liver

Observational University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT05294471

This study is testing a new quick and easy MRI method for looking at the liver to see if it works better than regular MRIs for both healthy people and those with liver problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages7 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05294471 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to develop and test a new automated MRI method that allows for quick and efficient imaging of the liver. Participants, including healthy adults and those with known or suspected liver conditions, will undergo a single-button push MRI exam designed to minimize variability and improve image quality. The study will evaluate the method's repeatability, reproducibility, and technical success compared to traditional MRI techniques. The goal is to achieve a reliable, low-cost evaluation of chronic liver disease in under five minutes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy adults and individuals aged 7 years or older with known or suspected liver iron overload or elevated liver fat.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI, such as those with pacemakers or claustrophobia, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide faster and more accurate liver imaging, improving diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving MRI techniques, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria for Substudies 1, 2, 4, 5

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with contraindication to MRI (e.g. pacemaker, contraindicated metallic implants, claustrophobia, etc)
* Pregnant or trying to become pregnant (as determined by self-report during MRI safety screening)

Eligibility Criteria for Substudy 3

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 7 years or older
* One of:

  * Known or suspected liver iron overload
  * Known or suspected elevated liver fat

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with contraindication to MRI (e.g. pacemaker, contraindicated metallic implants, claustrophobia, etc)
* Patients requiring intravenous (IV) conscious sedation for imaging are not eligible; patients requiring mild, oral anxiolytics for the MRI will be allowed to participate as long as the following criteria are met:

  * The subject has their own prescription for the medication.
  * The informed consent process is conducted prior to the self-administration of this medication
  * They come to the research visit with a driver
* Pregnant or trying to become pregnant (as determined by self-report during MRI safety screening)

Eligibility Criteria for Substudy 6

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 7 years or older
* Scheduled for a clinical abdominal MRI exam

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with contraindication to MRI (e.g. pacemaker, contraindicated metallic implants, claustrophobia, etc)
* Sedation required for MRI
* Pregnant or trying to become pregnant (as determined by self-report during MRI safety screening)

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HealthyIron OverloadLiver Fat
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.