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Case Reports
. 2014 Feb 14;20(6):1630-4.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i6.1630.

Characterization of primary hepatic carcinosarcoma by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: a case report

Li-Ping Liu  1 , Xiao-Ling Yu  1 , Ping Liang  1 , Bao-Wei Dong  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Characterization of primary hepatic carcinosarcoma by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: a case report

Li-Ping Liu et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Primary hepatic carcinosarcoma is a rare tumor and is comprised of a mixture of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. We present a case of primary carcinosarcoma of the liver in a 59-year-old woman, which was confirmed by pathology following surgical resection. Using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, the tumor showed peripheral nodular hyperenhancement in the arterial phase with two feeding arterial vessels and a large internal non-enhancing portion in the center. The peripheral nodular portion of the tumor showed hypoenhancement in the later phase.

Keywords: Carcinosarcoma; Contrast-agent; Liver; Ultrasonography.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Conventional ultrasonography of a primary hepatic carcinosarcoma. A: Gray-scale ultrasonography showed an ovoid heterogeneous echogenic mass in the right liver; B: Color doppler imaging showed the right hepatic vein compressed by the mass (arrow).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of a primary hepatic carcinosarcoma. A: Contrast-enhanced sonography showed early intense peripheral nodular enhancement in the arterial phase (21 s) with two feeding arteries (arrows); B: Peripheral nodular portion of the tumor was iso-enhancing compared to the surrounding liver in the portal phase (76 s); C: Peripheral nodular portion of the tumor was washed out and was hypo-enhanced compared to the liver in the later phase (191 s).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic of a primary hepatic carcinosarcoma. A: Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic revealed peripheral nodular enhancement in the arterial phase with a large internal non-enhancing portion, which correlated with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography findings; B: Peripheral nodular portion of the tumor was isoenhanced in the portal phase.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Pathologic findings of the primary hepatic carcinosarcoma (hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification × 200). A: A section of the gross specimen showing a well-demarcated, peripheral nodular solid mass with a central area of necrosis and hemorrhage; B: Light microscopy showing moderate hepatocellular carcinoma; C: Stromal sarcoma components are comprised of spindle cells; D: Atypical spindle and epithelial cells are seen, which are consistent with hepatic carcinosarcoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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