What would be an expected Hounsfield Unit measurement for a normal liver?

The expected Hounsfield Unit measurement for a normal liver typically falls within the range of +50 to +65 HU. This measurement reflects the liver's density in comparison to water and other structures within the body when visualized using computed tomography (CT). In CT imaging, water is assigned a value of 0 HU, and air is assigned a negative value.

The liver's density can be attributed to its composition, which includes both fat and water content. The positive values indicate the presence of soft tissue, with the liver being denser than water but less dense than bone. This range is significant for differentiating normal liver tissue from pathological conditions, which may alter its density and subsequently change the Hounsfield Unit values.

Correct interpretation of these measurements is critical in diagnostic imaging, as deviations from the normal range could indicate liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or tumors. Thus, understanding the expected Hounsfield values aids medical professionals in accurately assessing liver health during CT examinations.