Computed tomography and angiography of cavernous hemangiomas of the liver

Cavernous hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the liver. Eighteen patients were studied by both computed tomography (CT) and angiography. The angiographic features were classic, consisting of normal hepatic arteries, no tumor vessels, and densely stained blood-filled spaces producing a "cotton-wool" appearance. Before contrast infusion, CT scans showed roughly spherical, well-demarcated low-density masses; afterward there was a peripheral zone of enhancement which varied in thickness and sometimes had a corrugated inner margin, though the center remained low in density and the overall size of the lesion did not change. The authors feel that the CT findings are characteristic and that in some cases angiography is unnecessary.