Imaging Diamagnetic Susceptibility of Collagen in Hepatic Fibrosis using Susceptibility Tensor Imaging

We propose to quantify susceptibility anisotropy of collagen in the liver using susceptibility tensor imaging (STI). Magnetic susceptibility anisotropy measured by STI differentiates the anisotropic collagen fibers which is associated with the severity of liver fibrosis from iron deposition. The results are compared with histology to inform the interpretation of collagen content in the liver fibrosis tissues. Our results suggest that magnetic susceptibility anisotropy is a quantitative marker for collagen content in cirrhotic liver disease.