Figure 2.

Correlation between ultrasound and histological findings. (a) Sonograms and macroscopy of Control group (normal liver): Transversal sonogram demonstrates homogeneous liver parenchyma, with medium level echogenicity and a regular hepatic surface (arrowheads). Parasagittal sonogram presents right renal cortex more echogenic than liver. Macroscopy shows smooth surface, brownish-red color and friable consistency. (b) Sonograms and macroscopy of fatty liver: Transversal sonogram presents diffusely increased parenchymal echogenicity. Parasagittal sonogram demonstrates hepatic echogenicity greater than that of right renal cortex. Macroscopy exhibits wrinkled surface, yellowish color and friable consistency. (c) Sonograms and macroscopy of liver carrying steatosis and fibrosis: Transversal sonogram shows discrete coarse and heterogeneous parenchymal echogenicity and the liver surface as a dotted or slightly irregular line (arrowheads). Parasagittal sonogram presents hepatic echogenicity equal to the right renal cortex echogenicity and a slightly irregular liver surface (arrowhead). Macroscopy shows a slightly irregular surface, pale red color and more rigid consistency. (d) Sonograms and macroscopy of cirrhotic liver: Transversal sonogram presents extensive coarse and heterogeneous parenchymal echogenicity, extremely irregular hepatic surface (arrowheads), a hypoechoic regenerative nodule (arrow) and mild ascites (*). Parasagittal sonogram shows hepatic echogenicity slightly greater than that of the right renal cortex, extremely irregular liver surface (arrowhead) and mild ascites (*). Macroscopy reveals extremely irregular surface, reflecting the presence of underling regenerative nodules, reddish color and rigid consistency.