Sequential magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of Kupffer cell function.

Background/Aims: Kupffer cells play an important role in liver regeneration and depression of their function is associated with poor outcome. However, there is no clinically safe and reliable method for evaluating Kupffer cell function. Methodology: We used magnetic resonance imaging following injection of superparamagnetic iron oxide, which is trapped by Kupffer cells, to evaluate Kupffer cell function in 14 patients, including 6 with normal liver and 8 with obstructive jaundice T1-weighed signal intensity of the liver parenchyma was examined every 4 minutes for 60 min after superparamagnetic iron oxide injection. Results: Signal intensity values gradually decreased in both groups after accumulation of iron in the liver. Serum iron levels equally and significantly increased in both groups. In contrast, the values of relative enhancement, percentage of signal intensity of precontrast to postcontrast, between 8-20 minutes after superparamagnetic iron oxide injection were significantly higher in obstructive jaundice group than in the control, indicating Kupffer cell dysfunction in obstructive jaundiced liver. Conclusions: These results indicate that chronological magnetic resonance imaging with superparamagnetic iron oxide is a suitable method for assessment of Kupffer cell function in patients with obstructive jaundice.