Imaging features of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipomas on real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the imaging features of hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods The imaging features of pathologically proved hepatic EAML lesions in 17 patients who had undergone baseline ultrasound and CEUS examinations were evaluated retrospectively. Results All of the cases were single lesion. 70.6% (12/17) of the lesions were hypoechoic on ultrasound and 82.4% (14/17) of the lesions were heterogeneous. Flow signals were detected in 88.2% (15/17) of the lesions and 82.4%(14/17) of the lesions showed ringlike or arc arterials peripherally on color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). The value of RI was 0.38-0.56. On CEUS, all lesions exhibited remarkable hyperenhancement in the arterial phase. 29.4% (5/17) of the lesions showed branched enhancement, 70.6% (12/17) of the lesions showed diffusely entire enhancement. Strong ring-like enhancement peripherally was detected in 29.4% (5/17) of the lesions. 88.2% (15/17) of the lesions were detected homogeneously enhancement during the peak period on CEUS. Washout of contrast agent and hypoechogenicity to surrounding liver tissue during portal or late phase were observed in 41.2% (7/17) and 64.7% (11/17) of the cases retrospectively. Conclusions The combination of real-time CEUS and baseline US can improve the correct diagnosis of hepatic EAML. Key words: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Hepatic tumors; Angiomyolipoma, Epithelioid