Magnetic resonance imaging features of common focal liver lesions in children

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to characterize focal liver masses in the pediatric population. MRI is the preferred modality because of its superior contrast resolution and utility for obtaining functional sequences such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MR exams performed with a hepatocyte-specific gadolinium-based contrast agent can characterize focal liver lesions, which helps in differentiating a common benign entity such as focal nodular hyperplasia from other liver pathology when the background liver is normal. The most common benign focal lesion is a hemangioma, and metastases followed by hepatoblastoma are the most common malignant lesions. This article can help radiologists become familiar with the pre- and post-contrast imaging features of common pediatric liver masses.