Ultrasonographic features of hepatic adenomas in type I glycogen storage disease

Focal hepatic masses were delineated by ultrasonography in three of five patients with type I glycogen storage disease (von Gierke's disease). Small hepatic adenomas were visualized as solitary or multiple hyperechoic solid lesions within enlarged, abnormally echogenic livers of increased attenuation. Larger adenomas were heterogeneous, with hypoechoic foci presumed to be secondary to necrosis, hemorrhage, or both. A previously unreported ultrasonographic finding is the markedly enhanced sound transmission identified deep to these solid tumors.