New Test for Liver Disease-Mayo Clinic

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed technology that uses sound waves to see if a patient's liver is harder than it should be — if it's developing fibrosis. It's called Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE), and it offers a noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mayo
• Clinic
• Medical
• Edge
• Magnetic
• Resonance
• Elastrography
• MRE
• Ehman
• Imaging
• Radiology

[MYVIDEOTABLE]

can this technology also detect if there are any blockages in bile duct etc

[mayoclinic]

@MYVIDEOTABLE I checked with a Radiologist and he indicated that the MRE technology is specifically used for detect fibrosis. Other tests, including ultrasound and conventional MR imaging, are used to look for blockages in the biles ducts.

[salsabaila]

How do I schedule an MRE? Will my insurance pay for it? Can I be seen at the Mayo Clinic; even if I have an HMO-type insurance? I've been diagnosed with cirrhosis recently, but suspect the findings because they only take a very small section (for the biosy) out of a rather large organ...How do they know that the entire organ suffers from the same condition, and that it isn't only isolated to various parts of the liver? The liver (I am told) has incredible 'regenerative' capabilities???

[mayoclinic]

We can’t diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations thru this correspondence. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, call one of our appointment offices: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville Fla., (904) 953-2272 Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minn., (507) 284-2111 Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz., (480) 301-1735

You you will need to contact your insurance company directly to determine their coverage.

[gadionson1]

more please. very interesting report.

[jaxkipi]

I wonder why they don't do this more...maybe because it costs more. ;(

[linsplace]

I had the MRE done along with the MRI which showed the stroke in the left temporal lobe works great!!!

[jaxkipi]

Mayo Clinic is #1 by FAR!

[EdArmm]

Wow, no more Liver Biopsy's! Hope my Ins company will authorize this next year...