Uncommon imaging evolutions of focal liver lesions in cirrhosis

Objective

The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate uncommon imaging evolutions of benign (i.e., cyst, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules, and hepatic angiomyolipoma) and malignant (i.e., HCC and non HCC malignancies) lesions in a cirrhotic liver. The content highlights relevant pathogenesis and imaging clues for proper differential diagnosis. Revision of prior imaging and knowledge of these scenarios may help the abdominal radiologist to reach a noninvasive diagnosis and direct the patient to the most appropriate clinical management.

Conclusion

Uncommon imaging evolutions of focal liver lesions in cirrhosis may represent a challenge for the abdominal radiologist, with atypical changes in size, and internal vascularization changes that may lead to misdiagnoses.