Rapid advances in imaging technology have improved the detection,characterization and staging of colorectal liver metastases. Multi-modality imaging approachis usually the more useful in diagnosis colorectal livermetastases. It is well established that hepatic resection improves the long-term prognosis of many patientswith liver metastases. However,incomplete resectiondoes not prolong survival,so knowledge of the exactextent of intra-hepatic disease is crucially important indetermining patient management and outcome. The diagnosis of liver metastases relies first and totally onimaging to decide which patients may be surgical can-didates. This review will discuss the imaging options and their appropriate indications. Imaging and evaluating of colorectal liver metastases(CRLM) have been performed with contrast-enhanced ultrasound,multi-detector computed tomography,magnetic resonanceimaging(MRI) with extra-cellular contrast media andliver-specific contrast media MRI,and positron emis-sion tomography/computed tomography. This review will concentrate on the imaging approach of CRLM,and also discuss certain characteristics of some liver lesions.We aim to highlight the advantages of each imaging technique,as well as underscoring potential pitfalls and limitations.
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