Hepatocellular carcinoma MRI: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
*'''Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):''' An MRI uses magnetic fields, which is a different imaging type from computed tomography (CT) to produce detailed images of the body. MRI scans are very helpful when diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma. Sometimes they can be used to distinguish a benign tumor from a cancerous one. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. MRI scans take a longer time than a CT scan to complete. | *'''Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):''' An MRI uses magnetic fields, which is a different imaging type from computed tomography (CT) to produce detailed images of the body. MRI scans are very helpful when diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma. Sometimes they can be used to distinguish a benign tumor from a cancerous one. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. MRI scans take a longer time than a CT scan to complete. | ||
* On T1-weighted MR images, HCC is most often hypointense relative to the liver, although hyperintense lesions or areas of hyperintensity within hypointense lesions may be seen. | |||
** These hyperintense regions within the HCC reflect the presence of fat, copper, protein, or blood secondary to intralesional hemorrhage. | |||
* On T2-weighted images, HCC is generally hyperintense, although well-differentiated lesions that are isointense relative to the liver parenchyma may be seen. | |||
* Most HCCs show '''intense enhancement on arterial phase contrast-enhanced images'''. | |||
* A large HCC (>5 cm) may have a number of characteristic features, such as a mosaic pattern, a tumor capsule, extracapsular extension with formation of satellite nodules, vascular invasion, and extrahepatic dissemination, including lymph node and distant metastases. | |||
** The mosaic pattern is created by confluent small nodules separated by thin septa and necrotic areas within the tumor. This pattern is more often depicted on T2-weighted MR images than on T1-weighted images | |||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 21:33, 4 August 2012
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Hepatocellular carcinoma Microchapters |
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Differentiating Hepatocellular carcinoma from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Hepatocellular carcinoma MRI On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hepatocellular carcinoma MRI |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Hepatocellular carcinoma MRI |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields, which is a different imaging type from computed tomography (CT) to produce detailed images of the body. MRI scans are very helpful when diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma. Sometimes they can be used to distinguish a benign tumor from a cancerous one. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. MRI scans take a longer time than a CT scan to complete.
- On T1-weighted MR images, HCC is most often hypointense relative to the liver, although hyperintense lesions or areas of hyperintensity within hypointense lesions may be seen.
- These hyperintense regions within the HCC reflect the presence of fat, copper, protein, or blood secondary to intralesional hemorrhage.
- On T2-weighted images, HCC is generally hyperintense, although well-differentiated lesions that are isointense relative to the liver parenchyma may be seen.
- Most HCCs show intense enhancement on arterial phase contrast-enhanced images.
- A large HCC (>5 cm) may have a number of characteristic features, such as a mosaic pattern, a tumor capsule, extracapsular extension with formation of satellite nodules, vascular invasion, and extrahepatic dissemination, including lymph node and distant metastases.
- The mosaic pattern is created by confluent small nodules separated by thin septa and necrotic areas within the tumor. This pattern is more often depicted on T2-weighted MR images than on T1-weighted images
