Imaging focal liver lesions in children

There is a wide differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions in children including inflammatory lesions, cystic lesions and benign and malignant neoplasms. Imaging confirms the presence of a focal liver lesion, assesses the extent of disease and characterises the lesion. Initial ultrasound findings will determine if other imaging modalities are required, which include nuclear medicine (NM), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging may also guide biopsy and be used in therapeutic intervention. Clinical findings and laboratory tests are important considerations in evaluation. This article aims to provide a practical approach to the assessment of the focal liver lesion in a child and review in more detail pathologies unique to the paediatric age group.