[The value of magnetic resonance tomography in the detection and differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions].

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver has made considerable progress due to improvements in the examination technique. Sensitivity for the detection of focal liver lesions is higher for MRI than for CT. In the differential diagnosis of liver tumors MRI is remarkably accurate. This is particularly true for hemangiomas, liver cell carcinomas and focal nodular hyperplasias. From a clinical view point differentiation between hemangiomas and metastases is of utmost importance. Future improvements in MR diagnosis of liver diseases are expected due to fast imaging techniques and liver-specific contrast agents.