[Pitfalls in computed tomography for diffuse liver diseases].
OBJECTIVE
Misinterpretations in liver diagnostics could result in a false diagnosis, such as a parenchymatous damage or a false focal lesion.


METHODS
Computed tomography is a widely used diagnostic tool to visualize liver diseases.


METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used as a second diagnostic test to answer specific questions.


METHODS
The more the condition of changes in liver parenchyma appearance in cross-sectional imaging is known the fewer mistakes will be made in the interpretation. Knowledge of these pitfalls helps to increase diagnostic accuracy.


RESULTS
Magnetic resonance imaging could help to depict most of the pitfalls.


CONCLUSIONS
By looking at diffuse or focal liver diseases radiologists should be aware of perfusion patterns and structural changes of the liver parenchyma to make a correct diagnosis.
Institut für Radiologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, Munich, Germany. martin.dobritz@tum.de
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Dobritz
D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*