Hepatic angiomyolipoma: dynamic computed tomography features and clinical correlation

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML) is a rare benign liver tumor.
• Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder associated with AML development.
• Understanding the dynamic CT features of hepatic AML is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic computed tomography (CT) characteristics of hepatic angiomyolipoma (AML).
• To compare CT findings in patients with and without tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data, CT scans, and histopathology of 10 hepatic AML patients.
• Detailed evaluation of lesion morphology, enhancement patterns, and vascularity on dynamic CT.

Main Results:

• Hepatic AML predominantly affects females and is often asymptomatic.
• Tumors appear as well-defined nodules with a fat component in sporadic cases.
• Lesions show early and persistent enhancement of non-fat components, with central vessels visible in the portal venous phase.
• In TSC patients, nodules are often peripheral, and fat-deficient lesions exhibit rapid contrast washout.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic CT imaging demonstrates characteristic features of hepatic AML.
• Combining CT findings with clinical presentation facilitates accurate preoperative diagnosis.