[Pitfalls in computed tomography for diffuse liver diseases].

CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: Misinterpretations in liver diagnostics could result in a false diagnosis, such as a parenchymatous damage or a false focal lesion.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

Computed tomography is a widely used diagnostic tool to visualize liver diseases.

METHODICAL INNOVATIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used as a second diagnostic test to answer specific questions.

PERFORMANCE

The more the condition of changes in liver parenchyma appearance in cross-sectional imaging is known the fewer mistakes will be made in the interpretation. Knowledge of these pitfalls helps to increase diagnostic accuracy.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Magnetic resonance imaging could help to depict most of the pitfalls.

PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

By looking at diffuse or focal liver diseases radiologists should be aware of perfusion patterns and structural changes of the liver parenchyma to make a correct diagnosis.