Histological diagnosis of liver hemangiomas using ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy.

Hemangiomas of the liver are a common fortuitous finding during ultrasonographic studies of the liver. Although they often present a characteristic ultrasonographic pattern, it is not always possible to exclude malignant disease. Diagnostic difficulties may arise when known malignant disease is present. Computed tomography and angiography do not exclude misinterpretations. In nine patients, six of whom had known malignant disease, liver tumors were detected at ultrasonography. Using a new type of fine needle and ultrasonographic control, biopsy provided the histological diagnosis of hemangioma in all cases. Complications were not observed.