Diffuse Hepatic Hypoattenuation on CT
Diffuse low attenuation of the liver on CT most commonly reflects diffuse hepatic fat (steatosis) or diffuse reduction in hepatic parenchymal density from altered tissue composition or perfusion. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Hepatic Steatosis (Diffuse Fatty Infiltration)
Hepatic steatosis is a leading cause of diffuse liver hypoattenuation on non-contrast CT. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Diffuse Hepatic Infiltration by Deposition Disorders
Hepatic amyloidosis can present as diffuse liver hypoattenuation on non-contrast CT. (frontiersin.org)
Diffuse Hepatic Edema or Congestive Change
Diffuse low attenuation can occur with diffuse inflammatory or congestive processes that reduce effective parenchymal density through edema and perfusion changes. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Diffuse Neoplastic Infiltration
Diffuse hepatic infiltration by malignancy (for example, diffuse lymphoma or diffuse metastatic involvement) can produce diffuse low attenuation on CT and can mimic fatty infiltration in some scenarios. (radiologycases.com)
Apparent Low Attenuation from Technical/Acquisition Factors
Apparent diffuse hypoattenuation can reflect contrast technique and timing, which influence hepatic attenuation. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
CT Attenuation Pitfalls and Interpretation Checks
Hepatic steatosis is diagnosed more reliably on non-contrast CT than on contrast-enhanced CT because contrast-enhanced attenuation can be influenced by injection method and scan timing. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Recommended Direction for Further Characterization
Further characterization is guided by clinical context and by CT protocol features, with consideration of MR fat quantification when CT findings are nonspecific or when a deposition/infiltration process remains a concern. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)