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Benign vascular tumors of the liver in infants: sonographic appearance
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|April 1, 1982
Insights
Benign liver vascular tumors in infants present unique ultrasound findings. These include complex masses, dilated aorta, and abnormal vessels, aiding early diagnosis in infants with hepatomegaly and heart failure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric radiology
- Vascular anomalies
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Infantile liver tumors are rare, with vascular tumors like hemangioendothelioma and mesenchymal hamartoma presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Hepatomegaly and congestive heart failure are critical clinical signs in infants with these conditions.
Observation:
- This study details the distinctive sonographic features of three infants diagnosed with benign liver vascular tumors.
- Key sonographic findings included complex hepatic masses, a dilated proximal aorta, and enlarged intra- and extrahepatic vascular structures.
Findings:
- The characteristic sonographic pattern observed across all three cases suggests a specific presentation for these rare tumors.
- Confirmation was achieved through arteriography, highlighting the complementary role of different imaging modalities.
Implications:
- Recognizing this specific sonographic signature can significantly improve the early diagnosis of benign liver vascular tumors in infants.
- Prompt diagnosis facilitates timely management, potentially improving outcomes for affected infants with congestive heart failure.
Abstract:
The distinctive sonographic appearance of benign vascular tumors of the liver (one hemangioendothelioma and two mesenchymal hamartomas) in three infants is presented. Each child had hepatomegaly and congestive heart failure, and all had confirmatory arteriography. The sonographic pattern of a complex mass, dilated proximal aorta, and enlarged nutritive and draining vascular structures should alert the radiologist and clinician to this diagnosis.