| [ Summary ] |
After acute liver injury, imaging tests are required for evaluation of hepatic volume and degree of hepatic injury. Because of handiness and non-invasiveness, ultrasonography (US) is chosen as the first imaging. However, computed tomography (CT) is more important for objective evaluation and diagnosis, especially in cases of obstructive jaundice. With acute liver injury, US and CT may reveal the follwing : 1) hepatosplenomegaly, 2) a band-like low density area parallel to the intrahepatic portal vein, with periportal collar signs, and 3) collapsed gall bladder (GB) lumen with GB wall thickening due to submucosal edema. In case of severe or fulminant hepatitis, liver atrophy and irregular surfaces, as well as ascites may be observed with US and CT, requiring careful follow up. CT imaging is necessary for the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. |