MRI-derived liver disease markers linked to liver and cardiovascular events

A large prospective study showed that certain MRI-derived biomarkers of liver impairment are associated with liver hospitalisation and liver events in the general population and in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD). One of the markers was also related to cardiovascular events.

In a prospective cohort study, Dr Prashant Pandya (Kansas University Medical Center, KS, USA) and co-investigators evaluated the prognostic value of MRI-derived biomarkers of liver disease activity to estimate the risk of clinical events in the general population and in patients with MASLD [1]. “These patients experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity,” mentioned Dr Pandya.

The study included 45,162 participants, of whom 9,942 had a diagnosis of MASLD. Iron corrected (c)T1 of 800–875 ms was linked to liver hospitalisation (HR 3.2), major liver events (HR 2.6), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.7). Next, liver fat content of 5–10% or >10% was associated with liver hospitalisation (HR 1.7 and HR 3.1, respectively). In the subset of patients with MASLD, cT1 of 800–875 ms was also associated with liver hospitalisation, major liver events, and liver hospitalisation, whereas liver fat content of >10% was related to liver hospitalisation. Lastly, continuous cT1 was associated with cardiovascular events (HR 1.1).

“This study showed that MRI metrics of liver dysfunction are associated with liver hospitalisation and liver events,” concluded Dr Pandya. “cT1 was also linked to new-onset liver events, major cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality, whereas liver fat content was not associated with these outcomes.”

1. Jackson E, et al. Liver disease activity measured with quantitative MRI is associated with major liver and cardiovascular events: a prospective cohort study. Abstract 2, Digestive Disease Week 2025, 3–6 May 2025, San Diego, USA.

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Posted on 21 May 202521 May 2025