AJR 2004; 183:1595-1601.
Gupta AA, Kim DC, Krinsky GA, Lee VS.
Cirrhosis is among the leading causes of death in the western world. Cirrhosis and its associated complications have characteristic appearances on CT and MRI that are briefly reviewed. A variety of other disease entities can mimic cirrhosis. These are discussed and differentiating features emphasized.
Cirrhosis is most commonly caused by chronic hepatitis infection or alcohol abuse, although a number of other diseases causing hepatic injury can lead to cirrhosis. It is pathologically defined by three main characteristics: fibrosis, nodular transformation, and distortion of hepatic architecture. Subtle
morphologic changes of the liver may be among the earliest detectable with imaging including enlargement of the hilar periportal space, enlargement of the major interlobar fissure, and expansion of pericholecystic space or gallbladder fossa.