Using MRI scans to detect liver damage in young people with autoimmune liver disease

Researchers are testing whether special MRI scans can detect damage to the bile ducts and liver fibrosis (scarring) in young people with autoimmune liver disease—conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells. The study compares what the MRI scans show with blood test results and tissue samples to see if MRI is a reliable, non-invasive way to measure disease damage.

Currently, doctors often need to do liver biopsies (taking a tissue sample) to check for liver damage in patients with autoimmune liver disease. This study exists to find out if advanced MRI scans can detect the same information without needing an invasive procedure, making it safer and easier for young patients to be monitored over time.