CT Scan and MRI in the Differentiation of Liver Tumors.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful for detection and characterization of liver tumors, and widely used in clinical practice. By using dynamic CT and MRI with extracellular contrast material or MRI with liver-specific contrast material, we can investigate the morphological, hemodynamical and functional nature of focal hepatic lesions. Tumors often show characteristic findings on CT and MRI. Thus, we can correctly establish a diagnosis of liver tumors based on those findings. In this article, we describe the role of CT scan and MRI in the differentiation of liver tumors as well as presenting some typical CT and MR images. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel