Scintigraphy of hepatic hemangiomas: the value of Tc-99m-labeled red blood cells: concise communication.

Fourteen patients with hepatic hemangiomas were evaluated by Tc-99m colloid scintigraphy and Tc-99m RBC angiography, including flow studies and early and delayed static studies. On colloid scintigraphy, the liver appeared enlarged, with single or multiple focal defects. During the flow and early static Tc-99m RBC studies, the lesions showed poor perfusion and were filled only partially or not at all. Delayed Tc-99m RBC studies demonstrated the whole extent of the lesion and all the lesions when multiple hemangiomas were present. A flow study showing decreased perfusion and a late blood-pool study showing increased local blood volume appear characteristic of hemangiomas. Liver biopsy should not be attempted in such cases.