Focal fatty change of the liver adjacent to the falciform ligament: CT and sonographic findings in five surgically confirmed cases

Abstract

Five cases of surgically confirmed focal fatty infiltration of the liver were detected by CT and sonography. In all five cases, the abnormality was located at the anterolateral edge of the medial segment of the liver. It was seen as a small area of low attenuation adjacent to the falciform ligament on CT and as an echogenic area next to the ligamentum teres on sonography. Dynamic CT performed during infusion of contrast medium via the superior mesenteric artery (arterial portography) showed portal blood flow within the lesion and was useful for excluding the presence of a hepatic tumor. Focal fatty infiltration of the liver adjacent to the falciform ligament constitutes a diagnostic pitfall on CT and sonography.