Focal lesions in non-cirrhotic liver

Abstract

With the introduction of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) multiphasic examinations of the liver can be performed without compromises with regard to spatial or temporal resolution. However, an adequate examination technique is still critical for sensitive detection and specific characterization of focal liver lesions. The limiting factor for lesion detection in computed tomography (CT) is usually the contrast and not only the geometric resolution. For good lesion detection results, a reasonable balance of both these parameters has to be chosen. The criteria for the characterization of focal liver lesions are derived from their behavior and degree of contrast agent enhancement in the different vascular phases of liver CT. For a valid characterization usually at least two different phases are mandatory, so that changes of enhancement over time (e.g., wash-in and wash-out of contrast agent) can be appreciated. Although magnetic resonance (MR) still has distinctive advantages for dedicated liver examinations, the fast and reliable approach of MDCT makes it an indispensable modality for imaging of liver pathologies.