CT and MR perfusion techniques to assess diffuse liver disease.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Hepatology

Background:

• Liver perfusion imaging offers quantitative physiological data below CT/MR resolution.
• Liver imaging presents unique challenges due to organ mobility, dual blood supply, and fenestrated sinusoids.
• Perfusion imaging with extracellular contrast agents can differentiate liver fibrosis stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review liver perfusion imaging characteristics for assessing chronic liver disease.
• To focus on the application of CT and MR imaging in liver perfusion assessment.
• To highlight advancements with hepatobiliary contrast agents for perfusion and hepatocyte function.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of liver microcirculation using perfusion imaging techniques.
• Utilizing extracellular and hepatobiliary contrast agents in CT and MR imaging.
• Application of advanced perfusion models for comprehensive liver assessment.

Main Results:

• Perfusion imaging provides detailed microcirculation parameters.
• Liver perfusion imaging demonstrates efficacy in staging liver fibrosis.
• New contrast agents allow simultaneous assessment of liver perfusion and hepatocyte function.

Conclusions:

• Liver perfusion imaging is a valuable tool for evaluating chronic liver disease.
• CT and MR perfusion imaging, especially with advanced contrast agents, enhance diagnostic capabilities for liver conditions.
• Further research into perfusion imaging models will refine the assessment of liver health and disease.