Hepatic imaging with radiology and ultrasound.

Radiographically, the diseased liver may change in size, shape, position, or opacity. Contrast studies such as peritoneography, cholecystography, portography, and arteriography may be performed to increase the specificity of the radiographic diagnosis. Ultrasound can be used to detect the changes in liver echogenicity associated with disease, identify focal verses diffuse disease processes, detect vascular and biliary abnormalities noninvasively, and direct needle aspirates and biopsies for culture, cytology, and histopathology.