Focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: radiologic-pathologic correlation

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007 May;188(5):W459-63. doi: 10.2214/AJR.05.1998.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with three patients who had pathologically proven focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH)-like nodules that radiologically mimicked hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Conclusion: FNH-like nodules may radiologically mimic HCC, appearing as hypervascular masses on contrast-enhanced CT images and as high-signal-intensity masses on superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced MR images. Pathologically, there is the presence of a high number of unpaired arteries and sinusoidal capillarization, which may mimic HCC. Thus, it is important to differentiate FNH-like nodules radiologically, pathologically, and clinically from HCC.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiography
  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Focal Nodular Hyperplasia / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Ultrasonography