[Echographic aspects in the differential diagnosis of hepatic metastasis. Focal hepatic lesions]

Over 1,150 ultrasonographic gallbladder/liver studies we have selected a series of 29 patients with focal hepatic lesions. Among these cases were identified: simple cysts, poly cystic liver disease, hydatidosis, abscesses, hemangiomas, granulomas (sarcoidosis) and hepatomas. In addition we present 2 cases of extrahepatic involvement simulating a liver (metastatic) lesion. The differential diagnosis with liver metastases was accurately made in 81.5%. We emphasize the benefits of fine needle punction under US-guidance, which have elevated the rate of correct diagnoses up to 94%.