A multinational study published in Nature Communications Medicine suggests that MR-based imaging is a cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The study, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, found that Perspectum’s LiverMultiScan technology reduced the need for liver biopsies, specialist consultations, and other healthcare interventions while improving diagnosis rates.

Perspectum, a medical technology company with offices in the U.S. and U.K., specializes in imaging solutions for chronic metabolic and liver diseases. LiverMultiScan, its FDA-cleared software, analyzes MR data to assess liver health without contrast agents.
The randomized controlled trial, known as RADIcAL-1, involved 802 adults from four countries with suspected MASLD. Participants were assessed using either LiverMultiScan or the standard diagnostic approach, which includes ultrasound and liver biopsy. Over the course of a year, researchers evaluated healthcare utilization, diagnostic certainty, and cost-effectiveness.

Key findings included:

- LiverMultiScan improved diagnosis rates by about 10% compared to standard care.
- The technology reduced specialist consultations, with 7% fewer hospital visits, 7% fewer general practitioner visits, and 29% fewer ultrasound procedures.
- MR-based imaging prevented 50% of unnecessary biopsies while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
- The cost-effectiveness analysis found an Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) of €4,929 ($5,369) per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained.

“With the introduction of new MASLD treatments like resmetirom, an alternative to liver biopsy is essential,” said Dr. Rajarshi Banerjee, CEO of Perspectum. “This study shows noninvasive pathways can improve diagnosis, lower costs, and reduce patient burden.”

MASLD affects about 30% of adults in North America and Europe, contributing to a growing economic burden. Direct medical costs are estimated at $103 billion annually in the U.S. and €27 billion in Europe. Liver biopsy, while considered a diagnostic gold standard, carries risks such as significant complications in 2.4% of cases.

Henry Chang, executive director of the Fatty Liver Foundation, emphasized the study’s significance: “Multiparametric MR enhances MASLD detection, reduces dependence on biopsies, and improves overall healthcare efficiency.”

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