Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): one step forward in the identification of "high risk" solitary fibrotic tumors of the liver.

Abstract

Solitary fibrous tumors of the liver (SFTL) are rare neoplasms, whose identification and definition of malignant potential are challenging. A 62-year-old patient underwent conventional imaging and CEUS to characterize an indeterminate liver lesion after other imaging techniques were inconclusive. In fact, all diagnostic techniques concluded that it was a partially fibrotic lesion, while CEUS determined its extra-hepatocellular origin and malignant potential, initially hypothesized to be a cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the possible risk of seeding following a biopsy procedure, the patient was a candidate for surgery. Subsequently, histopathological examination revealed SFTL. CEUS confidently characterized the malignancy and hypothesized the origin of the liver lesion, thus aiding in treatment planning.