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The radiologic and pathologic spectrum of biliary hamartomas
A S Lev-Toaff1, A M Bach, R J Wechsler
1Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Biliary hamartomas can appear as nonspecific liver lesions mimicking metastases. Imaging may not detect small lesions, necessitating consideration of biliary hamartoma in patients with known malignancy and hepatic nodules.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Imaging
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Biliary hamartomas are benign liver malformations.
- They can present as hepatic lesions that may be mistaken for metastatic disease.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate radiologic and pathologic findings of biliary hamartomas.
- To evaluate the spectrum of imaging presentations in patients with known extrahepatic malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of imaging (CT, sonography) in 18 patients with biliary hamartomas and malignancy.
- Correlation of imaging findings with surgical and pathologic examination.
- Histologic classification based on bile duct cystic dilatation.
Main Results:
- Biliary hamartomas showed varied appearances: single/multiple circumscribed lesions, or innumerable tiny to large lesions.
- Lesions were hypodense on contrast-enhanced CT and hypoechoic on sonography.
- Small or surface lesions were often occult on imaging; diagnosis relied on biopsy.
Conclusions:
- Biliary hamartomas present as nonspecific hepatic lesions that can mimic metastases.
- Consider biliary hamartoma in patients with primary malignancy and hepatic lesions, irrespective of size or distribution uniformity.