Cirrhosis: MR imaging features

The intent of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of MR imaging findings of cirrhosis and discusses clinical implications. Areas of focus include: (1) Morphologic changes of the liver in advanced cirrhosis and in early cirrhosis, (2) the frequency and imaging spectrum of intra- and extrahepatic changes in cirrhosis such as regenerative nodules, nodular liver surface, hepatic iron deposition, fibrosis, dilation of right inferior phrenic artery, gastrointestinal wall thickening, and portal hypertension, (3) serial MR findings of clinically progressive cirrhosis, (4) newly described MR sign of cirrhosis (an expanded gallbladder fossa sign), and (5) complications after liver transplantation. Understanding these MR features related to cirrhosis is helpful in clinical MR practice.