Congenital cystic disease of the liver: isotope scanning, ultrasonography and angiography.

The radioisotope scanning, ultrasonic and angiographic findings in 16 patients with congenital cystic liver disease are described. Radioisotope scans are useful in determining the size, location and number of lesions. Ultrasonography is of value in differentiating solid from fluid-filled lesions, thus narrowing the differential diagnosis. At angiography, cysts produced well-defined avascular areas in the hepatogram in all 14 patients examined, enhanced by a well-defined "rim sign" in seven. This sign is considered pathognomonic of a cystic lesion (hydatid or congenital). Two had a "honeycomb" pattern at angiography, pathognomonic of congenital polycystic liver disease.