MRI versus ultrasound for early liver cancer detection, body composition, and decompensation risk in cirrhosis
Official title: A Comparative Study of MRI and Ultrasound for Detection of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Body Composition and Risk Factors for Decompensation in Liver Cirrhosis
Run by Linkoeping University · NCT07291141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether abbreviated MRI or ultrasound is better at finding early liver cancer and measuring muscle and fat in adults with cirrhosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Linkoeping University Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Linköping, Select A State Or Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 18, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2031 |
| Registry record updated | December 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07291141 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–84 with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis, no prior HCC or liver transplant, able to undergo MRI, and able to give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with MRI contraindications, pregnancy, primary sclerosing cholangitis, vascular liver disease, congenital liver fibrosis, prior HCC, prior liver transplant, or inability to travel to the study site are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective multicenter cohort of adults with clinically diagnosed cirrhosis followed with scheduled clinical assessments and imaging over time. Participants undergo both ultrasound and abbreviated MRI (AMRI) at predefined intervals to compare detection performance and image quality. The protocol includes quantitative body composition analysis (muscle and adiposity) to explore links with imaging characteristics, disease progression, and HCC risk. Longitudinal clinical and imaging outcomes are used to develop and test prediction models for incident HCC, liver-related complications, and mortality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable earlier detection of HCC and better risk stratification, allowing timelier treatment and more personalized surveillance for people with cirrhosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies indicate abbreviated MRI can be more sensitive than ultrasound for HCC detection, but large prospective multicenter comparisons that also incorporate body composition and longitudinal risk modeling remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with liver cirrhosis, according to clinical practice. Based on criteria such as elastography, symptoms, biopsy, or radiology. * Age ≥18 years ≤ 84 * Written informed consent from the participant Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications for MRI (ferrrous material, claustrophobia) * Pregnancy * Diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) * Vascular liver disease * Congenital liver fibrosis * Previous diagnosis of hepatic carcinoma (HCC) * Previous liver transplant
Where it's running
-
Department of gastroenterology and hepatology, University hospital in Linköping
Linköping, Select A State Or Province, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mattias Ekstedt, MD, PhD — Linkoeping University
- Study coordinator: Mattias Ekstedt, MD, PhD
- Email: mattias.ekstedt@liu.se
- Phone: 0046709296267
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using TIPS before sleeve gastrectomy to improve outcomes for people with cirrhosis and severe obesity
This trial tests whether placing a TIPS (a portal decompression procedure) before sleeve gastrectomy helps adults with cirrhosis, clinically significant portal hypertension, and severe obesity lose weight, feel better, and have fewer complications.
-
Laser therapy for prostate cancer treatment
This study is testing a new laser treatment for men aged 50 to 80 with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer to see if it is a safer and less invasive option than traditional surgery or radiation.
-
Endovascular treatment outcomes after portal hypertension–related GI bleeding in cirrhosis
This study tests how well endovascular procedures for portal hypertension–related GI bleeding work in adults with cirrhosis, and what factors predict outcomes.
-
PULSAR radiotherapy plus immunotherapy for high-risk advanced liver cancer
This study tests whether adding PULSAR radiotherapy to standard immunotherapy helps adults with high‑risk advanced liver cancer live longer without their cancer progressing.
-
Ultrasound-guided nasal bone fracture reduction
This study tests whether using ultrasound to guide nasal bone fracture reduction can improve accuracy and outcomes for people with recent nasal injuries.
-
AI-guided treatment choices for advanced liver cancer
Researchers are testing an AI tool to help predict which patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma will respond to modern systemic therapies.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.