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Characterization of Hyperechoic Focal Liver Lesions
Author(s) -
Celik Halil,
Özdemir Hakan,
Yücel Cem,
Gultekin Serap,
Oktar Suna O.,
Arac Mehmet
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of ultrasound in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.574
H-Index - 91
eISSN - 1550-9613
pISSN - 0278-4297
DOI - 10.7863/jum.2005.24.1.39
Subject(s) - medicine , focal nodular hyperplasia , hemangioma , lesion , inflammatory pseudotumor , radiology , hepatocellular carcinoma , differential diagnosis , second harmonic imaging microscopy , pathology , laser , physics , optics , second harmonic generation
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate hyperechoic focal liver lesions with pulse inversion harmonic imaging in the late phase of SH U 508A (Levovist; Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) and to determine whether quantitative evaluation improves the characterization of the lesions.Methods Twenty‐six patients with hyperechoic liver lesions were enrolled in this study. Pulse inversion harmonic imaging was performed before and after administration of Levovist. Scan data were digitally stored, and each lesion was analyzed with a personal computer–based quantification package. All lesions were confirmed by histologic or triphasic spiral computed tomographic examinations. The intensity was measured in decibels in regions of interest drawn within the lesion and surrounding liver parenchyma. The lesion‐liver ratios were than calculated. After contrast agent administration, a ratio equal to or greater than 1 was presumed benign, whereas a ratio of less than 1 was considered malignant. Results Nine malignant (7 metastases, 1 hepatocellular carcinoma, and 1 cholangiocarcinoma) and 17 benign (14 hemangioma, 1 focal nodular hyperplasia, 1 focal fatty change, and 1 inflammatory pseudotumor) hyperechoic lesions were quantitatively evaluated. All malignant (n = 9) and 2 benign lesions (1 hemangioma and 1 inflammatory pseudotumor) had ratios of less than 1. In 15 of 17 benign lesions, the ratios were equal to or greater than 1. The intensity ratios calculated for benign and malignant lesions showed a statistically significant difference ( P < .05). Conclusions Pulse inversion harmonic imaging with quantitative evaluation facilitates the differential diagnosis of hyperechoic focal liver lesions. A lesion‐liver ratio equal to or greater than 1 predicts a benign nature, assuming that malignant lesions show a ratio of less than 1.