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Comparison of gradient-recalled echo and spin-echo echo-planar imaging MR elastography in staging liver fibrosis: a meta-analysis

  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Published:
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Abstract

Objectives

To compare the diagnostic performance of gradient-recalled echo-based magnetic resonance elastography (GRE-MRE) and spin-echo echo-planar imaging-based MRE (SE-EPI-MRE) in liver fibrosis staging.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies involving the performance of MRE for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, the diagnostic odds ratio, and a summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were estimated by using a bivariate random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed between different study characteristics.

Results

Twenty-six studies with a total of 3,200 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of GRE-MRE and SE-EPI-MRE did not differ significantly. The area under the summary ROC curve for stage diagnosis of any (F ≥ 1), significant (F ≥ 2), advanced (F ≥ 3), and cirrhosis (F = 4) on GRE-MRE and SE-EPI-MRE were 0.93 versus 0.94, 0.95 versus 0.94, 0.94 versus 0.95, and 0.92 versus 0.93, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was detected for both sequences.

Conclusion

Both GRE and SE-EPI-MRE show high sensitivity and specificity for detection of each stage of liver fibrosis, without significant differences. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) may be useful for noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease.

Key points

• Pooled sensitivity and specificity of GRE-MRE and SE-EPI-MRE did not differ significantly.

• GRE-MRE and SE-EPI-MRE were highly accurate for detecting all stages of fibrosis.

• Due to better agreement and repeatability, GRE-MRE should be used first.

• In case of failure on GRE-MRE, SE-EPI-MRE should be used.

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Abbreviations

CLD:

Chronic liver disease

MRE:

Magnetic resonance elastography

GRE:

Gradient recalled echo

SE-EPI:

Spin-echo echo-planar imaging

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Yong Seek Kim and Yu Na Jang contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

    Yong Seek Kim

  2. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea

    Yu Na Jang

  3. Department of Radiology, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Chonbuk, 54907, Korea

    Ji Soo Song

  4. Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Chonbuk National University, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Chonbuk, 54907, Korea

    Ji Soo Song

  5. Biomedical Research Institute of Chonbuk National University Hospital, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Chonbuk, 54907, Korea

    Ji Soo Song

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  1. Yong Seek Kim
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Correspondence to Ji Soo Song.

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The scientific guarantor of this publication is Ji Soo Song.

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The authors of this manuscript declare no relationships with any companies, whose products or services may be related to the subject matter of the article.

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Professor HyeMi Choi from Department of Statistics, Chonbuk National University, kindly provided statistical advice for this manuscript.

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  • • retrospective

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Kim, Y.S., Jang, Y.N. & Song, J.S. Comparison of gradient-recalled echo and spin-echo echo-planar imaging MR elastography in staging liver fibrosis: a meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 28, 1709–1718 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-5149-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-017-5149-5

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