Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) are not generally recommended
for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance
(as distinct from diagnosis and staging); their sensitivity,
specificity, and positive and negative predictive
values for this purpose are unknown, and
their use is associated with high cost as well as
possible harm (e.g., radiation, allergic reaction to
contrast medium, nephrotoxicity with CT, and
nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy from the use
of gadolinium with MRI in patients with renal insufficiency