Imaging the Liver

Abstract

Abstract Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Select an appropriate imaging modality to diagnose a suspected liver tumor or stage an existing liver tumor. Describe the relative advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities in characterizing liver tumors. Explain the common radiological findings in the diagnosis of focal and diffuse liver disease. Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 hour of AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com Imaging of the liver is undertaken for the detection and characterization of suspected primary or secondary neoplasms, prior to planning a surgery or chemotherapy pump placement, for assessing treatment response, for evaluating biliary pathology, and for screening for liver neoplasms in high-risk groups. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities in the evaluation of the liver and formulate guidelines for the imaging of common clinical indications. A brief review of imaging findings in focal and diffuse liver disease is also presented.