Maksutiheydestä

Maksutiheydestä, known in English as liver density, refers to the physical property of liver tissue related to its mass per unit volume. This measurement is important in medical imaging, particularly in computed tomography (CT) scans, to assess the health and composition of the liver.

In a CT scan, tissues are assigned Hounsfield units (HU), which quantify their X-ray attenuation. Healthy liver tissue typically has a density range of approximately 50-65 HU when contrasted with water (0 HU) and blood (around 30-40 HU). Deviations from this normal range can indicate various pathological conditions. For instance, a liver with a lower density than surrounding tissues might suggest fatty infiltration (hepatic steatosis), where fat accumulates within liver cells. Conversely, increased density can be associated with conditions like iron overload (hemochromatosis) or the presence of calcifications.

Radiologists use liver density measurements to aid in diagnosis and monitor treatment response. Comparing the liver's density to other abdominal organs or blood helps to detect subtle changes that might not be apparent otherwise. This objective measurement provides valuable information for differentiating between various liver diseases and assessing their severity. Understanding normal liver density values is crucial for accurate interpretation of imaging studies.