FOCAL MASSES IN CIRRHOTIC LIVER - CT AND MR-IMAGING FEATURES

The development of hepatic cirrhosis triggers attempted repair through regenerative nodules of parenchyma among bands of scar tissue. Some a uthors believe that this regeneration initiates an evolutionary proces s that may lead to nodular enlargement and cellular dedifferentiation to malignancy [1]. Both the destructive and reparative processes in ci rrhosis produce changes that the radiologist must recognize when imagi ng the cirrhotic liver. This essay describes the CT and MR features of masses and masslike lesions in the cirrhotic liver, including the ide ntifying characteristics and overlapping appearances of CT and MR.