T1 mapping for liver function evaluation in gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging: comparison of look-locker inversion recovery and B1 inhomogeneity-corrected variable flip angle method.

• T1 Liver-post showed a strong correlation between LLIR and B 1 inhomogeneity-corrected VFA methods, both at 10-min and 20-min HBP but with significant differences. • T1 Liver-post at 10-min and 20-min HBP using LLIR and B 1 inhomogeneity-corrected VFA methods could not be used interchangeably during the follow-up in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) or cirrhosis. • T1 mapping using LLIR at 10-min HBP with obtainment of adjusted T1 Liver and T1 Liver-post may be the most suitable method and parameter for estimation of global liver function and prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with CLD or cirrhosis.