Abstract

Aim: To compare the results obtained through based or’a simple formula and or Cavalieri method based on point counting of the liver volüme calculations. Material and Method: The study was conducted on T2 weighted axial MR images of upper abdomen in 36 patients with no evidence of hepatomegaly and/or mass lesion. MR imaging was performed by Philips Achieva 1.5 Tesla MR equipment with 7 mm slice thickness and 1.5 mm gap. Liver volume was calculated by two different observers through Cavalieri method based on point counting and a formula that is (A × B × C × 1/3), assuming that liver is a tetrahedron. To eliminate thevnegative effect of slice thickness in Cavalieri method, a mathematical correction was performed to keep the coefficient of error below 0.05%. Interobserver reliability of the measurements and the final calculations were statisticaly examined. Results: The interobserver correlation was significantly high (R=0.98)in Cavalieri method.Although the reproducibility of the linear measurements used in formula based approach was high (R>0.94), the correlation with the formula and point counting-based calculations was fair-to-good (R= 0.72). Conclusion: Although formula based cakulations are more practical,it can roughly estimate the liver volume. In borderline cases of hepatomegaly or in cases whom the liver size estimations require more precision, Cavalieri method offers a more rational approach.