Exploratory Study of MRI Biomarkers of NASH

Metabolic steatosis disease (NAFLD) is a rapidly growing disease in the world, particularly in industrialized countries. NAFLD is defined by the presence of fatty liver disease. This is a reversible phenomenon that can be estimated by non-invasive means, such as ultrasound. Non-invasive quantification, on the other hand, requires MRI. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the aggressive form of the disease that promotes the accumulation of fibrosis in the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis and its complications. Currently there is no non-invasive biomarker of NASH and the diagnosis is based solely on liver biopsy. There is therefore a need for non-invasive biomarkers of NASH in patients with steatosis to diagnose NASH without the use of liver biopsy.