Imaging study for colorectal liver metastasis: beyond the diagnosis and to the prognosis

The liver is the most common metastatic site for colorectal cancers, and approximately 15–20% of the patients show liver metastasis on initial. Accurate detection and localization of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are crucial to the management of patients with colorectal cancer because CRLM is an important prognostic factor, and its surgical resection can improve the survival. Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) play an essential role in the detection and localization of CRLM. With technical advances in these imaging studies, such as multi-detector row CT, diffusion-weighted image (DWI), liver MRI using hepatocyte-specific contrast agents, and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET fused with CT, their diagnostic performance has improved.