Ultrasonography of liver. Technique and focal and diffuse disease

Because of its widespread use and availability, ultrasonography is frequently the first test used to assess patients with focal or diffuse hepatic disease. While ultrasonographic features of hepatic lesions often do not allow for a specific diagnosis, this article demonstrates typical ultrasonographic features of commonly encountered disease entities as an aid to differential diagnosis. Recent advances, including Doppler and intraoperative ultrasonography also are discussed.