Modern imaging allows
characterisation of focal lesions (tumors) and permits visualization
of the blood supply of the liver and of the biliary tree.
The most important imaging procedures are characterized
in the table below:
| |
Ultrasound |
Computed tomography |
Magnetic resonance |
| Principle |
Sound waves |
X-rays |
Strong magnetic fields disturbed by radio signals
|
| Advantages |
Cheap. No radiation
|
Fast |
Accurate. No radiation
|
| Disadvantages |
Operator dependent |
Radiation |
Expensive, slow and not suited for people with
agoraphobia !
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| Ultrasound of a cirrhotic
liver (nodules) with ascites (black) |
CT of a liver with cysts (Zysten) |
MR of a hepatocellular cancer. The cancer
lights up after giving a contrast agent |
|
|
