Multiexponential T2 Analyses in a Murine Model of Hepatic Fibrosis at 11.7T MRI

Jonathan Scalera¹, Hernan Jara¹, Jorge a Soto¹, James A. Hamilton², Michael O'Brien³, Stephan William Anderson¹

Purpose: To characterize the multiexponential T2 (MET2) relaxation of liver using a murine model of hepatic fibrosis. Methods: 3,5-dicarbethoxy-1,4-dihydrocollidine(DDC) was utilized to induce hepatic fibrosis. Ex vivo liver specimens were imaged using 11.7T MRI and MET2 analyses were carried out using two algorithms. Findings were compared to degrees of liver fibrosis. Results: Two distinct peaks were seen, a dominant, short T2 and a minor, long T2 component. Moderate correlation was seen between the long T2 peak and degrees of fibrosis. Conclusion: MET2 relaxation offers potential for evaluating the microenvironment in liver fibrosis with implications for noninvasive characterization of liver disease.