Using breath-hold methods with and without oxygen to improve liver MRI image quality

Optimizing MRI Liver Imaging: Evaluating Breath-Holding Techniques and Oxygen Supplementation to Reduce Respiratory Motion Artifacts

This study will test whether holding your breath at end-expiration, with or without extra oxygen, improves abdominal MRI image quality in healthy adults ages 18–75.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 10 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (San Francisco, California)
• Trial ID: NCT07135401 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This within-subject, randomized crossover study at UCSF uses a 3T MRI to compare two breath-hold conditions—functional residual capacity (end-expiration) with and without preoxygenation—in healthy adults. Each participant will undergo non-contrast abdominal MRI with T2-weighted and MRCP sequences during both breath-hold conditions in randomized order, serving as their own control. MRI-compatible pulse oximetry will monitor oxygen saturation and two blinded radiologists will grade motion artifacts and overall image quality using a standardized 5-point scale. The single visit lasts about 45–60 minutes and includes breath-hold training followed by one imaging session.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–75 who can understand instructions, tolerate MRI, remain still for imaging, and perform breath-holds are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with MR-unsafe implants, inability to hold their breath, severe claustrophobia, or medical contraindications to oxygen or MRI are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could produce clearer liver MRI images, reduce the need for repeat scans, and improve diagnostic confidence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested that breath-hold techniques and oxygen supplementation can reduce motion artifacts in abdominal MRI, but results are mixed and optimization for end-expiration techniques remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject must be within 18-75 years of age;
* Subject must be able to hear and understand instructions without assistive devices;
* Subject must provide written informed consent;
* Subject has the necessary mental capacity to understand instructions, and is able to comply with protocol requirements;
* Subject is able to remain still for duration of imaging procedure (approximately 30-45 minutes)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with a weight greater than 499 lbs;
* Subjects that have metallic/conductive or electrically/magnetically active implants without Magnetic Resonance (MR) Safe or Magnetic Resonance (MR) Conditional labeling, with the exception of dental devices/fillings, surgical clips, and surgical staples determined to be safe for MRI scanning by a physician investigator;
* Subjects that have implants with MR Unsafe labeling;
* Subjects that have implants labeled as MR Conditional by the manufacturer for which the allowable conditions are not expected to be achieved by the MR environment or scan protocol;
* Subjects who have a contraindication to MRI per the screening policy of the participating site;
* Subjects with any respiratory or cardiovascular condition that could compromise safe breath holding;
* Subjects who are female and pregnant

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

• University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: John P Roberts, MD — University of California, San Francisco
• Study coordinator: John P Roberts, MD

Conditions MRI; MRI Image Enhancement; abdominal MRI; breath-hold technique; functional residual capacity; image quality; non-contrast MRI; liver MRI