Acute fatty liver of pregnancy: CT evaluation. Case report

CT scans of two patients with acute fatty liver of pregnancy were reviewed in conjunction with the clinical evolution of this uncommon and potentially fatal disorder. In each of the CT scans, liver density measurements were less than those of the spleen. While the findings are non-specific, in the proper clinical context they are highly suggestive and may be the sole method of diagnosis, as these patients often have coagulation problems which rule out liver biopsy. It is an important diagnosis, as the high maternal and fetal mortality rates appear to be considerably reduced by early foetal delivery.