Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Liver, Ultrasound, CT, MR, Biopsy, Pathology, Cysts, Tissue characterisation
Authors:
J. HABI, H. GUERROUM, M. KASSIMI, A. Rami, N. Moussali, N. Chikhaoui, M. MAHI, I. Rahmouni; Casablanca/MA
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-2119
Background
Cystic liver disease encompasses a heterogeneous group of fluid-filled lesions within the liver parenchyma [1].
Hepatic cysts are most often discovered incidentally on imaging.
Cysts are the most commonly encountered hepatic lesion,
occurring in 2.5% of the general population [2].
The diagnostic approach of benign and malignant lesions is done by studying the morphology,
the number and tissue content of lesions.
Imaging with conventional ultrasound,
computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging,
or contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used to further characterize and diagnose HCs:
- Ultrasound is typically the first-line imaging modality.
The sensitivity and specificity for US in diagnosis of HCs is about 90% [3].
US is inexpensive,
accessible,
and without radiation.
It can detect a wide array of lesions but its role in the differentiation between them is limited.
- Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a newer modality uses a contrast agent,
specifically a micro-bubble agent.
A contrast-enhanced liver study is comprised of three dynamic phase arterial,
portal venous and late phases.
The vascularization of the lesions allows their characterization.
- CT has a sensitivity of greater than 90% for HCs and gives more detailed information about gas contents and calcification within the cyst.
[4]
- CT and MRI get more information with contrast enhancement.