Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Fibrosis in NAFLD

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a common and widespread metabolic complication of obesity, is now the most common form of liver disease in the Western world. It is also an increasingly common cause of liver fibrosis, that can ultimately progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Currently, the accurate diagnosis of fibrosis requires a liver biopsy. Now researchers at the Mayo Clinic have reported that a new non-invasive technology called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can diagnose fibrosis with 97% accuracy in patients with NAFLD.

According to the Mayo Clinic press release:

“The technology, called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), produces color-coded images known as elastograms that indicate how internal organs, muscles and tissues would feel to the touch. Red is the stiffest; purple, the softest. Other imaging techniques do not provide this information.” 

For the full press release, including access to a video demonstrating this novel technology click here.

AMS, Edmonton, Alberta