Density histogram analysis of unenhanced hepatic computed tomography in patients with diffuse liver diseases

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the potential of density histogram analysis of unenhanced hepatic computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and differentiation of diffuse liver diseases. Methods: Twenty-six patients with normal liver parenchyma, 35 patients with diffuse steatosis, 14 patients with acute steatohepatitis, 15 patients with active alcoholic cirrhosis, 23 patients with inactive alcoholic cirrhosis, 15 patients with virus-induced cirrhosis, and 8 patients with hemochromatosis Underwent unenhanced hepatic CT. All diffuse liver diseases and file absence of diffuse liver disease were histologically proven. Quantitative analysis of unenhanced liver parenchyma was performed in each patient. Results: The hepatic density histogram showed no significant differences in kurtosis and skewness between the groups (P > 0.05). Except for steatosis, active alcoholic cirrhosis, and hemochromatosis, diffuse liver diseases led to similar densities of liver parenchyma in unenhanced hepatic CT. Conclusion: A reliable diagnosis and differentiation of diffuse liver diseases on the basis of density histogram analysis is not possible.