Non-invasive quantification of hepatic fat content in healthy dogs by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and dual gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging

• Published in: Journal of veterinary science (Suwŏn-si, Korea) 2018, 19(4), , pp.570-576
• Main Authors: Del Chicca, Francesca, Schwarz, Andrea, Meier, Dieter, Grest, Paula, Liesegang, Annette, Kircher, Patrick Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original; 수의학
• ISSN: 1229-845X; 1976-555X
• DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.4.570

Objective of the present study is to describe two non-invasive methods of fat quantification in the normal canine liver using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Eleven adult beagle dogs were anesthetized and underwent magnetic resonance examination of the cranial abdomen including morphologic imaging, a modified Dixon (mDixon) dual gradient echo sequence and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( H MRS). In addition, ultrasonographic examination of the liver, fine needle aspirates and liver biopsies were performed, and hepatic triglyceride content was assayed. Ultrasonographic, cytologic and histologic examinations were unremarkable in all cases. The median hepatic fat fraction calculated were 2.1% (range, 1.3- 5.5%) using mDixon, 0.3% (range, 0.1-1.0%) using H MRS, and 1.6% (range 1.0-2.5%) based on triglyceride content. The hepatic fat fraction calculated using both mDIXON and H MRS was highly correlated to that measured based on triglyceride. Weak correlation was found between mDIXON and H MRS. Hepatic fat content can be estimated using either non-invasive technique in healthy dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the use of these techniques in dogs with varying hepatic fat content and different hepatic disorders.