Delineation of segmental liver anatomy. Comparison of ultrasonography, spiral CT and MR imaging for preoperative localization of focal liver lesions to specific hepatic segments.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of noninvasive imaging methods to localize focal liver lesions to specific hepatic segments.


METHODS
In a prospective study we evaluated 24 patients with hepatic masses with ultrasonography (US), spiral CT and MR imaging.


RESULTS
The primary segmental location of the lesions was correct with US in 15 of 24 patients (63%), with CT in 21 of 24 patients (88%) and with MR imaging in 17 of 22 patients (77%). The full extent of the lesions was correctly described with US in 9 of 24 patients (38%), with CT in 16 of 24 patients (67%) and with MR in 12 of 22 patients (55%).


CONCLUSIONS
Among the noninvasive imaging methods, CT provides the best information for determining the segmental location and planning the surgical approach to hepatic resections.
Department of Radiology, University of Cologne, Germany.
G
G
Jung
T
T
Krahe
B
B
Krug
U
U
Hahn
M
M
Raab
D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007479:Iopamidol; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods
D003287:Contrast Media; D007479:Iopamidol