Helical CT Appearances of Primary Hepatic Angiosarcoma

Objective To analyze helical CT findings of primary hepatic angiosarcoma(PHA),and to improve its diagnostic accuracy.Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of CT findings in plain and dynamic enhanced scanning was performed in 6 cases of PHA proved pathologically.The number,size,shape,intensity characteristics,the pattern and degree of enhancement of lesions were evaluated.Results PHA appeared as diffusely multiple nodules in 4 cases,and dominant masses in 2 cases.On plain CT scan,the PHA lesions appeared as heterogeneous or homogeneous hypodense area.Multiphase contrast-enhanced CT images showed heterogenous and progressive enhancement in multiple nodules.Focal regions of enhancement were located predominantly in the central portion of each lesion,with a few lesions located peripherally.The dominant masses demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement,most of which were hypoattenuated to both normal liver and vessels.Conclusion The CT feature of PHA is patchy progressive enhancement in the central portion of the lesions.Atypical PHA should be distinguished from cavernous hemangioma and hepatocellular carcinoma.The ultimate diagnosis relies on the pathological and immunohistochemical examination.