Delineation of segmental liver anatomy. Comparison of ultrasonography, spiral CT and MR imaging for preoperative localization of focal liver lesions to specific hepatic segments

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of noninvasive imaging methods to localize focal liver lesions to specific hepatic segments. Material and Methods: In a prospective study we evaluated 24 patients with hepatic masses with ultrasonography (US), spiral CT and MR imaging. Results: The primary segmental location of the lesions was correct with US in 15 of 24 patients (63%), with CT in 21 of 24 patients (88%) and with MR imaging in 17 of 22 patients (77%). The full extent of the lesions was correctly described with US in 9 of 24 patients (38%), with CT in 16 of 24 patients (67%) and with MR in 12 of 22 patients (55%). Conclusion: Among the noninvasive imaging methods, CT provides the best information for determining the segmental location and planning the surgical approach to hepatic resections. (orig.)