NONUNIFORM ATTENUATION IN COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY STUDY OF THE CIRRHOTIC LIVER

Diffuse hepatocellular processes are not well imaged by most radiologic modalities. CT [computed tomography] has not yet added significantly to the evaluation of hepatocellular disease, particularly in the cirrhotic liver. The CT patterns of cirrhosis previously described are reviewed, and the pathophysiology of cirrhosis is discussed. In 3 cases, a pattern was seen in cirrhotic livers characterized by nonuniform attenuation with varied response to administration of i.v. contrast agents. With further evaluation of fatty infiltration and cirrhosis, CT may prove helpful in understanding these disease processes.