Dynamic MR imaging of hepatolithiasis.
BACKGROUND
To report the dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of hepatolithiasis.


METHODS
Dynamic MR images (fast spoiled gradient echo sequence with intravenous injection of gadopentate dimeglumine) and computed tomography, cholangiography, or angiography of nine patients with hepatolithiasis are analyzed.


RESULTS
All affected hepatic segments showed atrophic changes and contained dilated intrahepatic ducts. These segments showed either iso- or hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging and hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging. Preferential enhancement was noted throughout all phases of the dynamic study and persisted to delayed T1-weighted imaging in seven patients. In the last two patients, severe atrophic changes made evaluating signal intensity differences and enhancement patterns difficult.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to intrahepatic stones and biliary dilatation, segmental atrophy, signal intensity differences, and preferential and persistent enhancement are important MR findings of hepatolithiasis.
Soong
T C
TC
Department of Radiology, Veterans General Hospital-Taipei, Taiwan.
Lee
R C
RC
Cheng
H C
HC
Chiang
J H
JH
Tseng
H S
HS
Lin
C W
CW
Teng
M M
MM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography; D001284:Atrophy; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002758:Cholangiography; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA