Focus of the Report: This report focuses on magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis.

Technology Description: MRE relies on visualization of the passage of sound waves through liver tissue while the patient is in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Analysis of the movement of waves through liver tissue enables noninvasive assessment of liver stiffness due to fibrosis.

Controversy: MRE is a complex method for assessment of liver fibrosis and blood tests have been developed that may be as reliable as MRE for diagnosis and staging of fibrosis in most patients.

Key Questions:

  • What is the accuracy of MRE relative to histopathology in detecting and staging hepatic fibrosis?

  • What is the accuracy of MRE relative to other technologies in detecting and staging hepatic fibrosis?

  • Are there any safety issues associated with MRE?

  • Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for the use of MRE in detecting and staging hepatic fibrosis?

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