Acute (fulminant) liver failure: a clinical and imaging review

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2021 Jul;46(7):3117-3127. doi: 10.1007/s00261-021-02973-5. Epub 2021 Feb 26.

Abstract

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare clinical entity with high morbidity and mortality frequently requiring liver transplantation for survival. Imaging, particularly with ultrasound, plays an important role, especially to distinguish patients with underlying chronic liver disease who have lower transplant priority. We discuss the clinical and imaging findings in the three subtypes of ALF using a multi-modality approach with an emphasis on ultrasound.

Keywords: Acute liver failure; Cirrhosis; Liver transplant; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Liver Failure*
  • Liver Failure, Acute* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Ultrasonography