Prognostic value of hepatobiliary phase MRI in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis – Assessment of clinical outcome and evaluation of surrogate parameters

In this prospective study we assessed the prognostic value of hepatobiliary phase (HBP) MRI in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Relative enhancement (RE) in the HBP after gadoxetate disodium injection correlated significantly with clinical scores (MELD, Mayo Risk) established to estimate survival in patients with chronic liver disease and PSC. More importantly, a significant correlation with previously suggested surrogate parameters for clinical outcome as well as with solid clinical endpoints (development of tumor, liver transplantation, death) at follow-up could be observed. These promising results attest HBP MRI in patients with PSC a potential prognostic role and warrant further long-term evaluation.