Nov 2008 - Scientists at Mayo Clinic have shown a new type of imaging that can pinpoint liver fibrosis without a liver biopsy.

Until recently patients had the option of either having a biopsy or not having a biopsy and continuing to monitor over time. The new technology called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is the ability to determine how stiff a patient's liver has become.

Clinicians receive "elastograms" that are "color-coded." Mayo had previously announced the new technique, but researchers now say they've proved the technology can recognize a wide variety of liver illnesses.

Equipment, the prototype and computer software were developed at Mayo, but it might take a couple of years before the technology is commercially available. For this reason, patients who are told they need a liver biopsy have begun seeking out Mayo for the test, Talwalkar said. It takes just seconds to perform, according to the clinic.

The test is being used at Mayo in Rochester and on Mayo's other U.S. campuses.

Its now being used in Scottsdale and they're starting to use it in Jacksonville. The test is a good tool to tell patients whether fibrosis is progressing. Monitoring the progression of fibrosis can help stop progression and avoid cirrhosis and liver failure, according to Mayo.

It works by transmitting low frequency sound waves into the abdomen and the wave motions are measured. MREs in use at Mayo have shown a high degree of success in detecting moderate to severe liver fibrosis.

Researchers are also working on the use of MRE for Alzheimer's diagnosis and cancer diagnosis.

Source: Mayo Clinic

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