Aytekin Oto MD, Presenter: Research Grant, Koninklijke Philips NV Consultant, Guerbet SA

Richard L. Baron MD, Abstract Co-Author: Speakers Bureau, Bracco Group

Hemangiomas are the most common benign hepatic lesions and present in up to 30% of the population. In most cases, they have characteristic imaging findings allowing their reliable diagnosis, however, sometimes other benign and more importantly malignant liver lesions can mimic hemangiomas or hemangiomas may have atypical imaging characteristics and be mistaken for malignancy. The purpose of this exhibit is to review the potential pitfalls that can lead to challenges in the diagnosis of hemangiomas by presenting different cases with teaching points in a quiz format. 

1. Review of the typical imaging characteristics of hemangiomas on US, CT and MRI 2. Demonstration of imaging features of potential mimickers of hemangioma including malignant (HCC, cholangiocarcinoma, angiosarcoma, hypervascular and hypovascular metastasis) and benign (peliosis, vascular shunt, FNH, telengiectesia ) focal liver lesions. 3. Demonstration of atypical imaging features of hemangioma such as initial central enhancement, central scar, hyalinized hemangioma, atypical peripheral enhancement, very slow filling, heterogenous T2 signal and diffuse hemangiomatosis. 4. Provision of practical clues to increase the confidence of radiologists when considering the diagnosis of hemangioma in different clinical and imaging scenarios and avoid the above pitfalls.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14010652/14010652_ai5y.pdf

Oto, A, Baron, R, Hepatic Hemangioma.....or Not?.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14010652.html