Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in liver disease

Using cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), specific cerebral metabolite abnormalities, associated with cognitive dysfunction, have been demonstrated in patients with chronic hepatitis C.  Brain specific isolates of HCV have been isolated from some of these cases.  In addition, a combination of microbubble contrast enhanced liver ultrasound and liver MRS are being used to develop a non-invasive method of quantifying liver fibrosis as a potential alternative to liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis C infection.