Hepatic hemangioma is the most frequently encountered benign tumor of the liver, found in approximately 5 to 7 percent of the population. The classic ultrasound appearance is a small, well-circumscribed, homogeneously hyperechoic lesion, typically less than 3 centimeters, with posterior acoustic enhancement. This appearance is sufficiently characteristic that additional imaging is often unnecessary for lesions with classic features. Larger hemangiomas may appear more heterogeneous with hypoechoic areas. When the ultrasound appearance is atypical, contrast-enhanced ultrasound can often make the diagnosis by showing the characteristic centripetal, or outside-to-inside, fill-in pattern that is unique to hemangiomas.
Sonography Term