Utility and impact of magnetic resonance elastography in the clinical course and management of chronic liver disease

We aimed to characterize scenarios where magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) of the liver was ordered and its impact on clinical course and management. 96 consecutive MRE examinations and subsequent encounters over 14 months were reviewed. Indication for MRE of the liver and subsequent management were abstracted from the medical record. In all cases, non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis was the primary indication and at least one additional rationale was noted. There was a significant decrease in recommendations to undergo liver biopsy after MRE. Additionally, a greater percentage of those recommended to undergo biopsy completed the procedure after discussion of the results. Given the significant cost and rare but serious risks of liver biopsy, MRE of the liver provides an attractive, safer alternative that may have a comparable impact on management, or select cases where biopsy is essential to guide management. We demonstrate the versatility of MRE in real-world hepatology practice, including its utility as a non-invasive surrogate for liver biopsy.