Pitfalls in liver MRI: Technical approach to avoiding misdiagnosis and improving image quality

Joseph H Yacoub; Khaled M Elsayes; Kathryn J Fowler; Elizabeth M Hecht; Donald G Mitchell; Cynthia Santillan; Janio Szklaruk

doi:10.1002/jmri.26343

Pitfalls in liver MRI: Technical approach to avoiding misdiagnosis and improving image quality

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2019 Jan;49(1):41-58. doi: 10.1002/jmri.26343. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Authors

Joseph H Yacoub¹, Khaled M Elsayes², Kathryn J Fowler³, Elizabeth M Hecht⁴, Donald G Mitchell⁵, Cynthia Santillan⁶, Janio Szklaruk²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
² Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
³ University of California San Diego Health System, Department of Radiology, San Diego, California, USA.
⁴ Department of Radiology, New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
⁵ Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
⁶ Liver Imaging Group, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.

PMID: 30295343
DOI: 10.1002/jmri.26343

Abstract

The following is an illustrative review of common pitfalls in liver MRI that may challenge interpretation. This article reviews common technical and diagnostic challenges encountered when interpreting dynamic multiphasic T₁ -weighted imaging, hepatobiliary phase imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging of the liver. Additionally, each section includes suggestions for avoiding diagnostic and technical errors. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:41-58.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Artifacts
Contrast Media / administration & dosage
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
False Positive Reactions
Gadolinium DTPA / administration & dosage
Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
Humans
Image Enhancement / methods
Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Iron Overload
Liver / diagnostic imaging*
Liver Cirrhosis / diagnostic imaging
Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Motion
Neoplasm Metastasis
Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnostic imaging
Reproducibility of Results
Respiration

Substances

Contrast Media
gadolinium ethoxybenzyl DTPA
Gadolinium DTPA