RESUMEN
Fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are frequently associated with obesity. Weight loss is the mainstay of therapy for these conditions. In this case report, we used a modification of the Dixon method to demonstrate normalization of hepatic fat content in an obese individual with fatty liver following weight reduction. This technique involves fast gradient echo instead of spin echo, which has been utilized previously, as the former provides an accurate and more rapid means of assessing hepatic fat content. This technique is recommended for the assessment of hepatic steatosis in at-risk subjects.
Asunto(s)
Hígado Graso/diagnóstico , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética/métodos , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Aspartato Aminotransferasas/sangre , Índice de Masa Corporal , Niño , Hígado Graso/etiología , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidad/complicacionesRESUMEN
We determined the utility of fast gradient echo techniques (modified Dixon method) in the assessment of hepatic fat content. Fast spoiled gradient echo was performed on bovine liver/corn oil homogenates with known fat fractions (FFE) to assess the accuracy of fat quantitation (FFMRI). The pulse sequence was manipulated via alterations in TE (echo time), TR (repetition time), and alpha (flip angle). In vivo studies were then performed using breath-holding maneuvers on normal adult volunteers and subjects at risk to develop hepatic steatosis, with cystic fibrosis or morbid obesity. At out-of-phase, TE, TR, and alpha were 2.1 ms, 7.3 ms, and 30-50 degrees and in-phase TE, TR, and alpha were 4.2 ms, 9.3 ms, and 30-50 degrees; FFMRI correlated well with FFE. An elevated fat fraction was observed in a high percentage of subjects with cystic fibrosis and morbid obesity. Fast gradient echo techniques were used successfully in the assessment of hepatic steatosis. The reduced acquisition times permitted in vivo analysis on adults and children using breath hold maneuvers.