Hepatic malignancies: Correlation between sonographic findings and pathological features.

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary imaging and pathology
• Diagnostic ultrasonography
• Oncologic imaging

Background:

• Ultrasonography (US) diagnosis of hepatic malignancies relies on understanding underlying pathological features.
• Hepatic malignancies include hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver metastases, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
• Pathological progression in hepatocarcinogenesis influences intranodular blood supply and US findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate pathological features with ultrasonography (US) findings for common hepatic malignancies.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of US imaging characteristics for HCC, liver metastases, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
• To enhance diagnostic accuracy in identifying and characterizing liver tumors using US.

Main Methods:

• Review of pathological features of hepatic malignancies.
• Correlation of pathological findings with established US imaging characteristics.
• Description of typical US presentations for HCC, liver metastases (especially from GI tract), and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Main Results:

• Advanced HCC shows features like mosaic pattern, halo, arterial hypervascularity, and daughter nodules.
• Liver metastases from GI adenocarcinomas often present with a 'bull's eye' appearance, multiple masses, and irregular borders.
• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma typically displays peripheral bile duct dilatation, irregular borders, and specific enhancement patterns.

Conclusions:

• Accurate ultrasonography (US) diagnosis of hepatic malignancies requires knowledge of their pathological basis.
• Distinct US imaging features aid in differentiating between hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
• Understanding these correlations improves diagnostic precision and guides appropriate clinical management.