MRI in the evaluation of hepatocellular nodules: role of pulse sequences and contrast agents.
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is more useful than computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of hepatocellular nodules based on the excellent soft-tissue image contrast of MR imaging. In addition, recent MR units have allowed various fast MR imaging techniques (i.e., parallel imaging or echo-planar imaging) to dramatically improve image quality and image contrast. A variety of liver-specific MR contrast agents are also currently available or have been evaluated in clinical trials to improve the contrast between the liver parenchyma and hepatocellular nodules.
Ichikawa
Tomoaki
T
Department of Radiology, University of Yamanashi, Tamaho, Yamanashi, Japan. ichikawa@yamanashi.ac.jp
D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography
D003287:Contrast Media