66-year-old female presents for evaluation of her liver after recent CT examination. LIVER:Measures 18.3 cm. There is markedly increased echogenicity, limiting the penetration of the sound beam through the liver and limiting the sensitivity of the examination. No ascites or intrahepatic biliary dilation. No definite masses. Portal vein is patent with normal hepatopedal flow.GALLBLADDER, BILIARY TRACT: Gallbladder is poorly visualized given limited penetration of the sound beam through the liver. Appears to be nondistended with an anechoic lumen. No definite stones or sludge. No pericholecystic fluid.PANCREAS: Evaluation the pancreas limited due to overlying bowel gas.SPLEEN: Measures 7.3 cm without sonographic abnormalities.KIDNEYS: Right kidney measures 10.9 cm. Left kidney measures 10.4 cm. Normal echogenicity. No shadowing calculi, hydronephrosis, or focal mass. OTHER: No significant abnormality noted.
1. Markedly increased echogenicity of the liver consistent with fatty infiltration and chronic liver disease/parenchymal dysfunction. Increased echogenicity limits sensitivity for detection of masses. If a mass is clinically suspected, then dedicated cross sectional imaging is recommended.