Perfusion and parenchymal changes related to vascular alterations of the liver

Abstract

Imaging plays a significant role in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities of the liver and sometimes provides the only clue to the correct diagnosis. With advances of imaging techniques and multiphasic acquisition of liver imaging, various perfusion changes are frequently encountered. Correct imaging diagnosis of significant vascular diseases can prompt appropriate work-up and timely management. Accurate differentiation of clinically insignificant perfusion phenomena from clinically significant findings including neoplastic conditions and in the setting of post-transplantation is essential. This pictorial essay illustrates various perfusion and parenchymal changes associated with portal venous inflow, hepatic venous outflow, and non-portal venous third inflow and describes brief background pathophysiology and differential points.