ACG Clinical Guideline: Focal Liver Lesions

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Focal liver lesions (FLLs) are increasingly detected via abdominal imaging.
• Asymptomatic and incidental liver lesions require careful management.
• Common FLLs include hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hemangioma, and hepatic cysts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of common focal liver lesions.
• To assist gastroenterologists and hepatologists in patient care.
• To outline recommendations based on the best available evidence.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of evidence.
• Development of clinical practice guidelines.
• Expert consensus and recommendation formulation.

Main Results:

• The guideline details diagnostic approaches for various FLLs.
• Management strategies for common benign and malignant liver lesions are outlined.
• Recommendations address hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hemangioma, and hepatic cysts.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers must be familiar with FLL diagnosis and management.
• This guideline offers a framework for managing common focal liver lesions.
• Evidence-based recommendations aid in clinical decision-making for liver lesions.