The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic haemangiomas.

The following ultrasonographic (U.S.) patterns were observed in 21 cases of proven hepatic haemangiomas: 1) Hyper-echoic (6 cases); 2) Hypo-echoic (4 cases); 3) Complex (11 cases). Several characteristic aspects of the echo structure (uneven appearance and fine internal parallel echoes) and the location of the lesion (para-caval or sub-diaphragmatic) may be useful for differential diagnosis with malignant neoplasia. The U.S. findings of a further 17 cases of hyperechoic focal lesion of the liver are reported. Although a definitive diagnosis was not possible in these subjects, the U.S. characteristics which remained unchanged for over 6 months, made the diagnosis of haemangioma highly likely.