Hepatic hemangioma

Case contributed by J. Ray Ballinger
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Elevated liver enzymes on routine blood work.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

Liver

ultrasound

A subtle 1.5 cm diameter area of mild hyperechogenicity in the right lobe of the liver. Blood flow is seen in this area on the color Doppler image.

Liver

ct

The 1.5 cm lesion seen on ultrasound is of low density on the unenhanced CT image, shows nodular peripheral enhancement during the arterial phase, and fills in completely by the portal phase.

Case Discussion

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of the liver occurring most frequently in women. There is no age predilection. A small percentage presents with calcifications. Peripheral enhancement with centripetal fill-in is classic for hemangioma but may be seen in other tumors.

To conclude that a lesion is a hemangioma on CT, the enhancement must be equal to or greater than that of the aorta, persist with delayed images (enhancement was seen at 10 minutes delay on this study) and show peripheral globular enhancement. MRI is frequently being used to diagnose hemangiomas as signal characteristics can be used in addition to enhancement pattern.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.