Radiological characteristics of atypical hemangiomas of the liver / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore CT and MR radiological characteristics of atypical hemangiomas of the liver (AHL). Methods The CT and MRI findings of 6 patients with pathologically proven AHL were retrospectively analyzed. Results The common radiological findings of hemangiomas of the liver included (l)The lesions were oval-shaped with smooth outline. (2) The lesions were of slightly hypodense on plain CT scan. On MRI scan, the lesions showed slightly low signal with T1WI and high signal with T2WI, and the lesions had central scars. (3) On dynamic contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scan, the lesions had peripheral nodular enhancement and a centripetal gradual fill-in pattern without enhancement of the central scars. The special radiological features of AHL included (l)Necrotic or cystic changes and calcification could be found in the central scars. (2) Hemorrhage could also be observed in the lesions though it was rare; they had enhanced CT signal and aberrantly short Tl and T2 signals. (3)The lesions might compress the hepatic parenchyma,biliary and vascular structures, leading to secondary changes such as deformity, abnormal bloody supply, and bile duct obstruction. Conclusion Diagnosis of typical hemangiomas of the liver is not difficult. But more observation and analysis are needed to diagnose AHL.