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Dynamic MR imaging of hepatolithiasis

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Abstract

Background: To report the dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of hepatolithiasis.

Methods: Dynamic MR images (fast spoiled gradient echo sequence with intravenous injection of gadopentate dimeglumine) and computed tomography, cholangiography, or angiography of nine patients with hepatolithiasis are analyzed.

Results: All affected hepatic segments showed atrophic changes and contained dilated intrahepatic ducts. These segments showed either iso- or hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging and hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging. Preferential enhancement was noted throughout all phases of the dynamic study and persisted to delayed T1-weighted imaging in seven patients. In the last two patients, severe atrophic changes made evaluating signal intensity differences and enhancement patterns difficult.

Conclusion: In addition to intrahepatic stones and biliary dilatation, segmental atrophy, signal intensity differences, and preferential and persistent enhancement are important MR findings of hepatolithiasis.

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Soong, T., Lee, R., Cheng, H. et al. Dynamic MR imaging of hepatolithiasis. Abdom Imaging 23, 515–519 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002619900390

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002619900390

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