Magnetization transfer contrast of various regions of the brain in liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: T1-weighted MR images show high signal intensity in the pallidum of many patients with liver cirrhosis. The purpose of this st udy was to evaluate quantitative changes in MR signals in patients with liv er cirrhosis by using the magnetization transfer technique. METHODS: Magnetization transfer ratios were measured in seven different reg ions of the brain in 37 patients with liver cirrhosis and in 37 healthy vol unteers. RESULTS: The magnetization transfer ratios in patients with liver cirrhosis were significantly lower than those in control subjects in the globus pall idus, putamen, thalamus, corona radiata, and subcortical white matter. CONCLUSION: Abnormal magnetization transfer ratios may be found in otherwis e normal-appearing cerebral regions.