Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Practice Test

Which imaging technique is best for visualizing hemangiomas in the liver?

1. Immediate images

2. Delayed images

3. Contrast-enhanced images

4. Non-contrast images

The correct answer is: Delayed images

The best imaging technique for visualizing hemangiomas in the liver is through delayed images. Hemangiomas, which are common benign vascular lesions, typically demonstrate specific characteristics in imaging studies. In MRI, after the administration of a contrast agent, hemangiomas often exhibit a progressive enhancement pattern. Initially, during the arterial phase, the hemangioma may be less conspicuous; however, as the scan progresses to the delayed phases, the lesion becomes more clearly defined due to the accumulation of the contrast agent within the vascular spaces of the hemangioma. This delayed enhancement provides crucial information for differentiation from other liver lesions, solidifying its diagnosis. Understanding the typical imaging traits of hemangiomas helps to substantiate the use of delayed imaging as it provides the optimal visualization, enhancing the detection and diagnostic accuracy of these lesions in the liver.