Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of malignant mesenchymal liver tumors

J Clin Ultrasound. 2010 Jun;38(5):227-31. doi: 10.1002/jcu.20690.

Abstract

Purpose: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can differentiate malignant from benign hepatic tumors, but has not been studied in malignant mesenchymal liver tumors.

Methods: We describe the findings of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in a cohort of five patients with histological-proven malignant hepatic mesenchymal tumors.

Results: The presence of imaging features such as peripheral (nodular) enhancement, chaotic central vascularization, and absence of contrast enhancement in the late phase allowed differentiation from hemangiomas.

Conclusions: If these findings are demonstrated in large hepatic tumors, then the diagnosis of hemangioma is unlikely and further workup is necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Contrast Media*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phospholipids*
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Phospholipids
  • contrast agent BR1
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride