Hyperpolarized carbon 13 MRI in liver diseases: Recent advances and future opportunities

Hyperpolarized carbon-13 magnetic resonance imaging (HP C-13 MRI) is a recently translated metabolic imaging technique. With dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP), more than 10 000-fold signal enhancement can be readily reached, making it possible to visualize real-time metabolism and specific substrate-to-metabolite conversions in the liver after injecting carbon-13 labelled probes. Increasing evidence suggests that HP C-13 MRI is a potential tool in detecting liver abnormalities, predicting disease progression and monitoring response treatment. In this review, we will introduce the recent progresses of HP C-13 MRI in diffuse liver diseases and liver malignancies and discuss its future opportunities from a clinical perspective, hoping to provide a comprehensive overview of this novel technique in liver diseases and highlight its scientific and clinical potential in the field of hepatology.

Automated summary

HP C-13 MRI is a novel metabolic imaging technique that allows real-time visualization of liver metabolism and substrate-to-metabolite conversions. It has shown potential in detecting liver abnormalities, predicting disease progression, and monitoring treatment response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in HP C-13 MRI in diffuse liver diseases and liver malignancies, highlighting its scientific and clinical potential in hepatology.