[Imaging nodules within cirrhotic liver: how do I do it?].

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease marked by necrosis, fibrosis, and nodular regeneration.
• Regenerative nodules in cirrhosis can progress to dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Liver transplantation offers improved survival for cirrhotic patients with HCC, contingent on eligibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the imaging features of liver nodules in cirrhotic livers.
• To propose imaging strategies for evaluating liver nodules in patients considered for liver transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of imaging features of liver nodules in cirrhosis.
• Analysis of imaging strategies for HCC detection and evaluation in cirrhotic patients.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of imaging characteristics differentiating regenerative, dysplastic, and HCC nodules.
• Outline of a systematic imaging approach for nodule assessment in potential transplant candidates.

Conclusions:

• Accurate imaging interpretation of liver nodules is essential for managing cirrhosis and HCC.
• Defined imaging protocols aid in selecting cirrhotic patients with HCC for liver transplantation.