Solitary necrotic nodule of the liver: imaging features, differential diagnosis and management

Abstract

Solitary necrotic nodule of the liver (SNNL) is a rare and benign liver lesion often discovered incidentally. Despite its occurrence, the exact cause of SNNL remains unknown, with various theories proposing traumatic, infectious, degenerative or transformative origins. The variable imaging characteristics of SNNLs frequently lead to misdiagnosis as malignant tumors, prompting patients to undergo unnecessary and high-risk procedures such as biopsies and surgeries. Moreover, biopsies often yield inconclusive results due to the presence of necrotic tissue within the lesion, posing challenges for accurate histologic diagnosis. This review aims to offer guidance on differentiating SNNLs from other liver lesions using multimodality imaging approaches. It will analyze essential imaging steps that should be performed and highlight those that should be avoided to enhance diagnostic accuracy and prevent unnecessary interventions.