Scintigraphic and ultrasound features of giant hemangiomas of the liver

J Nucl Med. 1989 Feb;30(2):181-6.

Abstract

Giant hemangiomas of the liver are clinically distinct from smaller and more innocent hemangiomas as they are more prone to complications. On imaging with ultrasound, they can also be readily confused with hepatoma, metastatic disease, or focal nodular hyperplasia. Nine giant hemangiomas (maximal diameter greater than 8 cm) were studied by scintigraphy and ultrasound. In all instances, the fill-in of the lesion on [99mTc]RBC scintigraphy indicated the diagnosis of hemangioma, adding specificity to the screening sonographic study. The pattern of fill-in on scintigraphy also appeared to be size dependent with lesions less than 11 cm in diameter equilibrating uniformly, while larger abnormalities intensified in centripetal fashion.

MeSH terms

  • Erythrocytes
  • Female
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous / diagnosis*
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid*
  • Ultrasonography*

Substances

  • Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid
  • Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m