Case Report: The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnosis of hepatic angiosarcoma

BackgroundEnhanced imaging techniques have the overwhelming advantages of being noninvasive and sensitive enough to evaluate the microcirculation of lesions, thus making them accurate in the diagnosis of hepatic lesions. Unfortunately, there is very little research on and knowledge of the imaging features of a rare cancerous condition: hepatic angiosarcoma (HA).Case summaryIn this study, we retrospectively collected the data of six patients who underwent both contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), and subsequently obtained a definitive histopathologic diagnosis of HA. We described the imaging appearances of HA by comparing CEUS and CECT images. Furthermore, we analyzed these imaging characteristics from the perspective of histopathology and tumorigenesis. The study included the largest number (six) of histopathologically confirmed HA patients who had received CEUS examinations to date.ConclusionBy offering readers comprehensive knowledge of contrast imaging, especially CEUS, in the diagnosis of HA, our study may reduce misdiagnosis and further improve treatment options.

Automated summary

By comparing the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images, this study retrospectively collected data from six patients who were histopathologically confirmed to have hepatic angiosarcoma (HA). The study describes the imaging appearances of HA and analyzes the imaging characteristics from the perspective of histopathology and tumorigenesis. This study includes the largest number of histopathologically confirmed HA patients who received CEUS examinations to date.