Dynamic MR perfusion measurements before and after TIPS in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites

Rationale and Objectives. We sought to assess changes in liver perfusion parameters induced by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites using dynamic MR perfusion measurements. Materials and Methods. MR perfusion measurements were performed before and after TIPS creation in 15 cirrhotic patients all with refractory ascites. Measurements were performed over a time period of 120 seconds providing 60 images for each examination and calculations were done in both liver and splenic parenchyma. Different perfusion parameters were assessed: time to peak (TTP), time to inflow deceleration (TID), maximal or peak perfusion (C-peak) and the wash-in rate. Results. TIPS procedures were successful in all 15 patients but were complicated by hepatic encephalopathy in 3 patients (20%), and in another 4 patients (26%), persistent refractory ascites was still noted during follow-up. Overall, liver TID values decreased significantly (P =.001) after TIPS creation; liver wash-in values increased significantly (P.04) after TIPS. TTP values did not decrease significantly (P =.16) and liver C-peak values did not change equally (P.99). Conclusion. In cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, TIPS induced a faster, but not an increased, contrast enhancement in the liver.