Magnetic resonance imaging and clinicopathological findings of primary hepatic angiosarcoma.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinicopathological features of primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) and enhance preoperative diagnosis.

Methods: MRI and clinicopathological information of 12 cases proved PHA were reviewed. Summarize the MRI characteristics of PHA combined with literature reviews.

Results: Among 12 cases (6 males and 6 females; age range, 23-70 years; mean, 53.3 years), one presented as a large mass, two as a diffuse infiltrating tumor, and nine as a mixed pattern of large masses with multiple nodules, all involving both lobes of the liver and ranging from 0.1 cm to 11 cm in diameter. A total of 63 lesions were analyzed, including 21 masses and 42 nodules. 13 masses (61.9%) demonstrated intratumoral hemorrhage. 18 masses (85.7%) demonstrated heterogeneous patchy, ring-shaped, septate, or irregular shaped enhancing foci on late arterial phase (LAP). On dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), 14 masses (66.7%) showed a centripetal or centrifugal pattern of incomplete progressive enhancement. 6 nodules (14.3%) appeared intratumoral hemorrhage. 31 nodules (73.8%) showed no enhancing foci on LAP images and 27 nodules (64.3%) showed enhancement pattern of complete filling, either centripetal or centrifugal pattern. Moreover, 12 cases (100%) exhibited prominent vessels within or adjacent to at least one lesion.

Conclusion: PHA exhibits diverse appearances on MRI. Typical MRI signs include multifoci with intratumoral hemorrhage, prominent vessels within or adjacent to the foci, as well as varied degrees of progressive enhancement with incomplete filling in dominant masses of PHA.