Figure 12c.

Double contrast-enhanced MR imaging appearance of different stages of HCV-related liver fibrosis. Axial double contrast-enhanced (SPIO plus gadolinium) gradient-echo images (180/6, flip angle = 70°), obtained at 3 T in four HCV-infected patients with histologically confirmed stage F1 (a), F2 (b), F3 (c), and F4 (d) liver fibro-sis, show hyperintense reticulations in the liver. With increasing stage of fibrosis, there is a corresponding increase in the density and thickness of the reticulations and their signal intensity relative to that of the liver.