hepatic hamartoma
description
these tumours are primarily non – neoplastic malformations containing a variety of tissue types of mesenchymal origin. they are not locally destructive although may produce pressure effects.
diagnosis
they are rare but will appear in the liver as cystic spaces which may be septated and very large.
differential diagnosis
other cystic structures in the liver including choledochal cyst which is located near the portal tract and may be associated with dilated bile ducts. hepatic haemangioma are likely to contain obvious blood flow. hepatic cyst is usually smaller.
sonographic features
large hypoechoic mass within the substance of the liver
these masses may replace the liver entirely
associated syndromes
- tuberous sclerosis
references
1. foucar e, williamson ra, yiu-chiu v, varner mw, kay br mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver identified by fetal sonography amer j radiol 140:970-972
2. hirata gi, matsunaga ml, medearis al, dixon p, platt ld ultrasonographic diagnosis of a fetal abdominal mass; a case of a mesenchymal liver hamartoma and a review of the literature prenat diagn 10:507-512