Solitary echogenic spot in the liver: is it diagnostic of a hemangioma?

Abstract

Solitary echogenic liver masses, subsequently proven to be cavernous hemangiomas, were discovered in 26 asymptomatic patients without known neoplasms. Most masses were in the posterior part of the right lobe, homogeneous, smooth, and less than 3 cm in diameter. Dynamic computed tomography was characteristic of hemangioma in the 13 patients on whom it was performed. In 6 of 10 patients who underwent angiography, a positive study resulted. Successful fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 4 patients without incident. A rational approach to the management of the asymptomatic and symptomatic patient with a solitary echogenic spot in the liver is presented.