Comparison of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 5-Phase Computed Tomography in the Detection and Characterisation of Focal Liver Lesions

Objective: To compare superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with 5-phase computed tomography in the detection and characterisation of focal liver lesions. Patients and Methods: We prospectively performed 5-phase computed tomography scans followed by magnetic resonance imaging of the liver with superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic resonance contrast medium in patients with focal liver lesions. A total of 18 patients were included, 11 male and seven female. Both dynamic and equilibrium phases magnetic resonance imaging were done. Lesion enhancement and number of lesions seen in each phase was then analysed. Results: Thirty four lesions were detected and characterised. These comprised metastases (one), hepatocellular carcinomas (seven), cysts (two), haemangiomas (ten), lesions secondary to arterioportal shunting (eleven), and ablated lesions (three). There was no statistically significant difference in lesion detection and characterisation of focal lesions on superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusion: Superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is comparable to 5-phase computed tomography of the liver in the detection and characterisation of focal liver lesions.