Ultrasound of primary hepatic tumours in childhood

Ultrasound scans of 18 children with primary hepatic tumours were reviewed to assess the accuracy of ultrasound in determining hepatic origin, extent, resectability, and histology. Using basic landmarks, ultrasound correctly predicted extent and resectability in 72% of patients. Accuracy would be increased by more detailed scanning to determine segmental and lobar landmarks. Hepatoblastoma demonstrated a characteristic appearance of a well-defined hyperechoic mass. Other tumour types showed some overlap in ultrasound appearances. Ultrasound examination overestimated the incidence of obliteration of the IVC lumen, and such patients require inferior venacavography to assess the true status of the cava preoperatively.