Liver and bile ducts

Imaging of the liver can de done with different modalities. Ultrasound is very useful for detection of various focal abnormalities such as benign and malignant changes or neoplasm. It is also useful in detection of fatty liver changes which could proceed to cirrhosis.

Although the sensitivity for detection of focal pathology is good, the specificity (what we actually see) is not always as good as could be wished. Therefore further investigations are often needed, especially with CT. Computer tomography with time-related injection of contrast medium will often characterise a lesion sufficiently.
Based upon clinical history and findings, the radiologist in co-operation with the referring doctor will tailor the best examination for different clinical settings.

Gall-bladder stones are easily detected on ultrasound, and so is dilation of the bile ducts. Diseases of the biliary system can also be visualised by NM.