Liver MRI with Contrast

Dedicated 3T MRI of the liver using liver-specific contrast agent for enhanced detection of focal liver lesions, metastases, and diffuse liver disease. Specialist abdominal radiology review.

The liver MRI with contrast is Progardia's most advanced hepatic imaging protocol, using a liver-specific gadolinium-based contrast agent that is taken up by functioning hepatocytes. This hepatobiliary phase imaging distinguishes between lesions that contain functioning liver cells (such as focal nodular hyperplasia) and those that do not (such as metastases or hepatocellular carcinoma), a distinction that is impossible to make reliably on standard non-contrast MRI or CT. The examination includes pre-contrast sequences (T1, T2, diffusion-weighted imaging) followed by dynamic post-contrast arterial, portal venous, and delayed hepatobiliary phases. The 3T field strength provides the temporal resolution needed to capture the rapid arterial phase enhancement that characterises hypervascular tumours. AI post-processing reduces breathing artefacts and improves lesion conspicuity against the enhancing liver parenchyma. This protocol is indicated for characterisation of indeterminate liver lesions found on ultrasound or CT, staging of known hepatic malignancy, surveillance in patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis at elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and detection of liver metastases from extrahepatic primary tumours. The scan is reviewed by an abdominal imaging specialist.