New MRI methods to measure metabolism and predict outcomes in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

To Explore the Value of New MR Technology in Non-invasive Quantitative Assessment of Systemic Metabolism, Disease Status and Prognosis in Patients With Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Observational Tongji Hospital · NCT07149571

This project tests whether new MRI techniques can measure body metabolism and help predict disease status and prognosis for people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorTongji Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wuhan, Hubei)
Trial IDNCT07149571 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational study that collects clinical, imaging, laboratory, and pathological data from people with metabolism-related fatty liver disease. Participants undergo MR imaging and the resulting scans are processed with advanced image-analysis software to extract quantitative imaging parameters and body-composition metrics. Investigators will look for links between those imaging measures, metabolic disorders, and disease severity to support non-invasive diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis prediction. The goal is to generate imaging biomarkers that can help guide clinical care and improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People of any age or gender who are clinically suspected or diagnosed with metabolism-related (metabolic-associated) fatty liver disease and who can undergo MR imaging and give informed consent are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot have MRI (for example due to incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or other contraindications) or who are seeking direct experimental treatment rather than imaging biomarker data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide non-invasive MRI-based markers to help diagnose, track treatment response, and predict outcomes for patients with MAFLD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work using MRI biomarkers such as proton density fat fraction and MR elastography has shown promise for diagnosing and staging fatty liver, but applying newer MR techniques specifically to quantify systemic metabolism and predict long-term prognosis is a newer and still-developing area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with MR examination are clinically suspected or diagnosed with metabolism-related fatty liver disease;
2. Age/gender: unlimited;
3. Patients who voluntarily participate in clinical trials and sign written subject informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Clinical suspicion or diagnosis of metabolism-related fatty liver disease and having been prescribed an MR examination;
2. Voluntarily participation in the study and provision of written informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Wuhan, Hubei

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 Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseMetabolic-associated Fatty Liver DiseaseMRI, metabolism-related fatty liver disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.