CT findings of uncommon malignant tumors of the liver / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To improve the diagnostic level of uncommon hepatic malignancy in 5 cases with different histopathological nature by analyzing their CT features. Methods CT scan was performed in 5 cases with pathologically proved uncommon malignancy of the liver including hepatic sarcoma ( n =3) and primary carcinoid tumor ( n =2). Results These uncommon malignancies of the liver had a variety of presentations. Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma presented as a single huge cyst mixing with solid mass. Hepatic angiosarcoma demonstrated as multiple well defined hypoattenuation lesions without cirrhosis. Necrosis, cystic degeneration, and hemorrhage may be accompanied. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma displayed as a single large hypoattenuation lesion within hyperdense septations, and most of the tumor was in the right lobe. Immunohistochemistry had the diagnostic value. The CT features of carcinoid tumor were single or multiple, unilocular or multilocular mixed dense masses. The solid portion of the masses enhanced obviously and carcinoid syndrome may highly suggest the diagnosis. Conclusion The forementioned 5 cases of hepatic malignancy are seldomly seen clinically. Each of them with different pathologic nature has different CT findings, and sometimes with some similar signs. Typical CT findings, coupled with clinical information may lead to a correct diagnosis.