The diagnostic performance of a simulated "short" gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI protocol is similar to that of a conventional protocol for the detection of colorectal liver metastases.

• The detection rate of colorectal metastases with a simulated, short, MRI protocol was similar to that of a standard protocol. • The performance of both protocols for the differentiation of metastases and benign lesions appears to be similar. • A short MR imaging protocol could facilitate the evaluation of patients with colorectal liver metastases.