A simple method to approximate liver size on cross-sectional images using living liver models.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether a simple. diameter-based formula applicable to cross-sectional images can be used to calculate the total liver volume.


METHODS
On 119 cross-sectional examinations (62 computed tomography and 57 magnetic resonance imaging) a simple, formula-based method to approximate the liver volume was evaluated. The total liver volume was approximated measuring the largest craniocaudal (cc), ventrodorsal (vd), and coronal (cor) diameters by two readers and implementing the equation: Vol(estimated)=cc x vd x cor x 0.31. Inter-rater reliability, agreement, and correlation between liver volume calculation and virtual liver volumetry were analysed.


RESULTS
No significant disagreement between the two readers was found. The formula correlated significantly with the volumetric data (r>0.85, p<0.0001). In 81% of cases the error of the approximated volume was <10% and in 92% of cases <15% compared to the volumetric data.


CONCLUSIONS
Total liver volume can be accurately estimated on cross-sectional images using a simple, diameter-based equation.
Muggli
D
D
Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Müller
M A
MA
Karlo
C
C
Fornaro
J
J
Marincek
B
B
Frauenfelder
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult