[Role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of hepatitis and liver cirrhosis].

Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have no significant impact in the evaluation of diffuse liver disease. Cirrhosis and hepatitis are not of specific imaging findings, the image of cirrhosis is depending on degree of disease. Nodular lesions are frequent findings in cirrhotic livers. For differentiation of regenerative nodules, dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma CT and MRI are playing their role in localization and characterization of these lesions. Sensitivity and specificity are varying, depending on the technical applications of CT and MRI, and the application of contrast materials. MRI is superior in characterizing the lesions due to the different appearance of the lesions in different sequences. CT is superior as the staging modality. Complications of cirrhosis like ascites, varices of the oesophageal veins are diagnosed. CT and MRI are necessary when interventional or surgical procedures are planned or for therapy surveillance.