What you need to know about imaging the liver

Gaurav Bhattacharya,Laura Callan,Michael Kabiri

doi:10.5206/uwomj.v83i1.4476

Abstract

Hepatic cancers are an increasing source of morbidity and mortality in the developing and the developed world. In this paper, we highlight the current imaging modalities used for various cystic and solid hepatic lesions. The rationale behind selection of these modalities and an efficient evidence‐based step‐bystep diagnostic algorithm are presented. Emphasis is placed on both identifying as well as differentiating between a benign, primary malignant and metastatic lesion.

Highlights

Hepatic cancers are an increasing source of morbidity and mortality in the developing and the developed world
In North America, this ongoing rising incidence is due to increased prevalence of known underlying risk factors for liver cancer including the silent obesity‐related disease called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, as well as an aging population entering a period of disease manifestation
Identification is critical to improved outcome and health care providers in various specialties need to become knowledgeable of the recent advances in imaging, adjuvant therapies as well as stricter follow-up protocols in a multidisciplinary environment that lead to an earlier identification of metastases to the liver.[3,4]

Summary

Introduction

Hepatic cancers are an increasing source of morbidity and mortality in the developing and the developed world. Identification is critical to improved outcome and health care providers in various specialties need to become knowledgeable of the recent advances in imaging, adjuvant therapies as well as stricter follow-up protocols in a multidisciplinary environment that lead to an earlier identification of metastases to the liver.[3,4] The table[5,6] highlights the potential differentials for malignant hepatic lesions which need to be identified and differentiated from their benign counterparts.

Results

Conclusion