Magnetic resonance elastography: advancements in non-invasive tissue characterization

Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a rapidly evolving, non-invasive imaging technique that quantifies tissue stiffness by integrating mechanical wave propagation with MRI. This review explores the fundamental principles, technological advancements, and expanding clinical applications of MRE. Recent innovations such as AI-driven inversion algorithms, compact actuators, and high-resolution imaging sequences have enhanced MRE’s diagnostic precision and accessibility. Clinically, MRE is now used across a wide spectrum of diseases, including liver fibrosis, cancer, neurodegeneration, musculoskeletal disorders, and cardiac conditions. Despite its potential, MRE faces challenges including motion artifacts, hardware limitations, and inter-vendor variability. Future directions point to real-time imaging, multi-omics integration, paediatric adaptations, and global standardization efforts. MRE stands at the forefront of precision medicine, offering promise for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and personalized therapy planning across organ systems.