Abdom Radiol (NY). 2026 Mar 9. doi: 10.1007/s00261-026-05383-7. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Targetoid liver lesions exhibit a characteristic MRI appearance, with differential signal intensity and enhancement between the central and peripheral components. This imaging pattern is observed across a wide range of benign, malignant, infectious, inflammatory, and vascular conditions. This educational pictorial essay aims to familiarize radiologists with the MRI spectrum of targetoid hepatic lesions and to introduce a practical diagnostic algorithm that integrates imaging findings with clinical context, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy in complex cases. MRI protocols include dynamic multiphase contrast-enhanced imaging with extracellular or hepatobiliary contrast agents, along with T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted sequences. Key imaging features, such as rim arterial-phase enhancement, delayed central enhancement, T2 target appearance, Targetoid appearence in diffusion restriction, and Targetoid appearance in the Transitional phase or Hepatobiliary phase with hepatobiliary contrast agents, are highlighted. By employing this structured approach, radiologists can interpret targetoid liver lesions with greater confidence and systematic precision, thereby supporting timely diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
PMID:41801375 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-026-05383-7