Mike L. Wells, M.D.

Closed for Enrollment

• Evaluation of Liver Stiffness After Tricuspid Valvular Repair Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography Rochester, Minn.

  The purpose of this study is to look at liver stiffness with a MRI sequence called Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). The study will let the investigators know whether the subject's liver is normal or has increased stiffness. Increased liver stiffness often means there is chronic liver disease and fibrosis. Increased right heart pressure and congestive heart failure are considered risk factors for development of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis, if progressive, may lead to cirrhosis and its related complications. The increased liver stiffness may be due to a poorly functioning tricuspid valve. With this research, the investigators will be able to determine if the elevated stiffness of the liver returns to normal after the surgeon performs a repair or replacement of the tricuspid valve.