ROLE OF MRI IN CHARACTERIZATION OF FOCAL LIVER LESIONS

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing and widespread use of imaging studies has led to an increase in detection of incidental Focal Liver Lesions. It is important to diagnose not only malignant liver lesions, but also benign solid and cystic liver lesions.

Objectives: Role of MRI imaging in characterization of various focal liver lesions detected incidentally on Ultrasonography.

Methods: The present study included 50 patients with various focal Liver Lesions detected incidentally on Ultrasonography. MRI Liver of the patients having incidentally detected Focal Liver Lesions on Ultrasonography and Inconclusive Ultrasonography findings was done to characterize the various focal liver lesions. Biopsy was done in patients with findings raising a possibility of a malignant lesion.

Result: Of the 50 patients, 30 patients were male and 20 were female. Age of patients ranged from 1 year to 79 years. Spectrum of diseases based on imaging findings includes: Simple hepatic cyst (5/50, 10%), Hemangioma(5/50, 10%) , Focal nodular hyperplasia(2/50, 4%), Hydatid cyst(4/50, 8%), abscess(3/50, 6%), hepatocellular carcinoma(9/50, 18%), metastases(12/50, 24%) and indeterminate radiological diagnosis(10/50, 20%). USG guided liver biopsy was done in 31 patients revealed Hepatocellular carcinoma in 7, Cholangiocarcinoma in 2, metastases in 20 patients and Hepatic adenoma in 2 patients.

Conclusion: MRI has an excellent lesion detection rate. Nearly all the lesions detected on Ultrasonography were detected on MRI imaging. MRI is excellent for the characterization of various Focal Liver Lesions. It was possible to reach to a specific radiological diagnosis in most of the patients.