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Semin Liver Dis 2001; 21(2): 195-212
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-15496
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Imaging of Diffuse Liver Disease

Koenraad J. Mortele, Pablo R. Ros
  • Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital; and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Advances in imaging technology and development of liver-specific contrast agents have significantly increased the role of radiology in the detection and characterization of processes diffusely involving the liver. Tailored magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences allow an accurate detection of many storage and metabolic diseases, such as iron overload disorders and steatosis (fatty liver). Faster scanning techniques available with both computed tomography (CT) and MRI provide, by assessing contrast dynamics, sufficient information for the characterization of diffuse neoplastic and vascular disorders. Characteristic changes in attenuation on CT, signal intensity on MRI, and enhancing features can be used to diagnose specific diffuse diseases such as candidiasis, diffuse/multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma, and schistosomiasis. Although an overlap in imaging findings still exists, familiarity with the imaging features of uncommon disorders such as Wilson's disease, amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis may be diagnostic in the proper clinical setting.

This review focuses on the current role of imaging in the detection and characterization of diffuse liver disorders. Recent developments that have amplified the role of noninvasive diagnostic evaluation of these conditions are especially highlighted.

KEYWORD

Computed tomography - diffuse liver disease - magnetic resonance imaging - ultrasound

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