Figure 1a. MR images in a 57-year-old man with a large macronodular pattern of liver cirrhosis. Three large nodules (straight arrows), each measuring more than 3 cm, are visible in the central area of the liver and have low signal intensity on (a) a transverse fat-suppressed T2-weighted half-Fourier RARE MR image (
/90) and isointense signal on (b) a transverse T1-weighted SGE MR image (140/4.1). The rightmost nodule has a small central area of low signal intensity on b that is consistent with an area of iron deposition. The nodules show decreased gadolinium enhancement on (c) a transverse SGE MR image (140/4.1) obtained immediately after gadolinium chelate administration and (d) a transverse fat-suppressed MR image (147/4.1) obtained 2 minutes after gadolinium chelate administration. This enhancement behavior is typical of regenerative nodules. The peripheral bile ducts (curved arrows) are dilated, show irregular strictures (beading), and appear to be centrally obstructed by the large nodules.