Ultrasound and MRI evaluation of hepatobiliary tumors with histopathological correlation

Introduction: Ultrasound is the first modality of choice for the diagnosis of Hepato-biliary diseases. Color Doppler is used to assess the vascularity of the Hepatobilliarytumour. Ultrasound is also used as a guide to FNAC of the Hepatobiliary tumours. Indications for the MRI of Hepato-biliary system include: (i) Characterization of lesion intensity. (ii) Determination of the extent and segmental localization of hepatic malignancies prior to planned liver resection. (iii) MRCP is being established as a non-invasive method for assessment of biliary system. Materials & Methods: A prospective study of 42 patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of right upper quadrant masses or pain. Following this Ultrasonography and MRI, FNAC & biopsy was done and was sent for histopathology. Results:On Ultrasound imaging 27 lesions (64%) should have been malignant and 15 cases (36%) should have been benign. On MRI 17 cases (77%) should have been malignant and 5 cases (23%) should have been benign. But FNAC was done in 23 cases only who had a normal coagulation profile. Out of these 23 malignancy was proved in 22 cases (96%). Thus MRI and Ultrasound have almost equivalent results in hepatic and gall bladder masses while significant difference was seen in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma. Conclusion: MRI and ultrasound have equivalent results in diagnosing hepatic and gall bladder masses but significant difference was seen in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma.