Liver iron overload and fat content analyzed by Magnetic resonance contributes to evaluate the progress of chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its complications still play a major role in liver-related mortality. It has been indicated that hepatic iron and steatosis may have an effect on liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. This study aimed to access the liver iron and fat in chronic hepatitis B patients by MRI, to estimate the correlations among liver iron, fat and the severity and progress of liver fibrosis. Methods In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with CHB consecutively from 2018 to 2020. Liver iron and fat content were accessed by MRI, which was measured as liver iron concentration (LIC) and proton density fat fraction (PDFF). Result 340 patients were included in this study. For LIC, the median value was 1.68 mg/g, elevated LIC was seen in 122 patients (35.9%). For liver fat content, the median value of PDFF was 3.1%, while only 15.0% patients had liver steatosis (PDFF ≥ 5%). Age, total bilirubin and sex were independent predictive factors of liver iron overload (OR = 1.036; 1.005; 10.772). A higher platelet count (OR = 1.006) and no portal hypertension (OR = 0.366) independently predict liver steatosis. The AUC of PDFF for identification of liver cirrhosis estimated by different non-invasive tools ranged from 0.629 to 0.704. Conclusion Iron overload was common in CHB patients, especially in those with older age, male and high total bilirubin level. Liver steatosis was less common in CHB. Liver iron and fat content analyzed by MRI may contribute to evaluate the severity and progress of CHB.