Diffuse desmoplastic breast carcinoma metastases to the liver simulating cirrhosis at MR imaging: Report of two cases

Two patients with breast carcinoma, without a prior diagnosis of liver lesi ons, had proved desmoplastic hepatic metastases that resembled cirrhosis at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The cirrhotic appearance of the livers ma y have resulted from the hepatotoxic effects of chemotherapy and/or hepatic infiltration by the metastatic tumor itself. Despite its high soft-tissue contrast, MR imaging may fail to depict extensive metastases from breast ca rcinoma, especially when they simulate other diseases (eg, cirrhosis). Corr elation of MR imaging findings with clinical history is mandatory.