From the Guidelines
The liver parenchyma is normally homogenous on ultrasonography (ultrasound).
Characteristics of a Normal Liver
A homogenous appearance indicates a uniform echo texture, which is characteristic of a healthy liver 1.
- This uniformity is a key feature used to distinguish a healthy liver from one with underlying pathology.
- Any heterogeneity, such as variations in echo texture or the presence of focal lesions, may suggest underlying liver pathology and warrants further evaluation.
Importance of Uniform Echo Texture
The uniform echo texture of a healthy liver is an important diagnostic criterion, as deviations from this pattern can indicate various liver conditions, including cirrhosis and hepatic steatosis 1.
- Cirrhosis, for example, is often associated with a coarsened or heterogeneous hepatic echotexture.
- However, it's crucial to note that the appearance of coarsening can be subjective and may vary depending on the US machine used 1.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, recognizing the normal homogenous appearance of the liver parenchyma on ultrasound is essential for identifying potential liver diseases early and accurately 1.
- This knowledge helps guide further diagnostic steps and treatment plans, emphasizing the importance of a thorough understanding of liver ultrasonography in real-life clinical medicine.
From the Research
Liver Parenchyma on Ultrasonography
- The liver parenchyma is normally homogenous on ultrasonography (ultrasound) 2, 3.
- A study on normal liver patients showed that all 25 patients had a homogeneous echo pattern, classified as Type 0 2.
- In healthy female Saanen goats, the liver parenchyma was found to have a homogenous distribution of fine echoes across the entire organ 3.
- However, some cases of macronodular hepatic deformity on normal liver have been reported, where the liver parenchyma appears heterogeneous due to multiple regenerative nodules 4.
- In cases of liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis and hepatic cirrhosis, the liver parenchyma can appear heterogeneous on ultrasound due to changes in the pattern of liver echostructure 5, 6.