Magnetic resonance imaging of diseases of the liver and biliary system.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is used to evaluate the liver for both lesion detection and characterization. The value of MR relative to other hepatic imaging techniques is discussed. A review of MR imaging of the gamut of focal and diffuse diseases of the hepatobiliary system with special attention to both sensitivity and specificity, as well as limitations of the modality, is made. Development of new pulse sequences, fast imaging techniques, and intravenous hepatic contrast agents are increasing its usefulness for assessing the liver and biliary tree.