Atypical radiographic findings in hepatic cavernous hemangioma: correlation with histologic features

Abstract

Three cases of cavernous hemangioma of the liver having atypical imaging features are described. In the first case, an 11 x 10 cm hypervascular mass with a central hypovascular area supplied by many large tortuous vessels was demonstrated on angiography, CT, and sonography. The mass had a central cavity that contained fluid. In the second case there was a 2-cm isoechoic mass with a peripheral halo, despite the presence of typical features of hemangioma on angiography. The halo was shown histologically to be fibrous tissue surrounding the tumor. In the third case, a 6.5 x 4.3 cm mass exhibited slight peripheral enhancement on CT but was not detectable by angiography. Histologically, the tumor was hyalinized with only scattered small foci of hemangioma within it.