Imaging characteristics of and embolization therapy for giant hepatic hemangioma

With the development of interventional radiology,transcatheter arterial embolization has been the main treatment method for hepatic hemangioma,especially for patients who are not suitable to receive surgical resection.The clinical data of 16 patients with hepatic hemangioma who received interventional therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed,and the imaging characteristics of hepatic hemangioma and efficacy of embolization therapy were investigated.A catheter was inserted into the celiac artery for angiography in order to recognize the feeding arteries of the hepatic hemangioma.Lipiodol mixed with pingyangmycin for embolism was injected until the tumor was surrounded by them.All patients were followed up till September 2012,the tumor size and the symptoms were observed.Preoperative hepatic angiography showed multiple abnormal vascular lakes in phase which was known as early leaving but late returning,hanging nut on a twig sign.After the therapy of intervention,the tumor became smaller and the condition of the patients was improved.Embolization therapy is good and secure for treating giant hepatic hemangioma. Key words: Hepatic hemangioma;  Imaging diagnosis ;  Interventional therapy