Contrast Agents in Liver Imaging

Recent advances in surgical procedures for the management of focal liver diseases have greatly increased the demand for diagnostic accuracy. So far these demands have been only partially met by further technical developments such as colour-coded duplex sonography, spiral CT and marked improvements in magnetic resonance imaging. It is becoming increasingly clear that liver specific contrast media are essential for utilizing these technical developments to their fullest advantage in patient care. Against this background, a workshop was held to explore the current methods of diagnostic imaging of the liver and to try and establish a profile for the future liver specific contrast media. This text presents the findings of the workshop. The pathologist's introductory and general overview is followed by chapters on the individual imaging procedures such as ultrasound, CT and MRI. The book should be of interest to radiologists from the various disciplines, and also those who plan and perform therapies, particularly surgeons and internists.