The computed tomographic appearances of angiosarcoma of the liver

Abstract

The computed tomographic (CT) appearances are described in five vinyl chloride workers with hepatic angiosarcoma subsequently confirmed at post-mortem. The tumour was multifocal in four patients. Non-enhanced scans were available in four cases showing hypodense masses relative to background liver. Dynamic scanning during intravenous contrast injection was performed in all five patients showing peripheral or central foci of enhancement within the tumour. On delayed post-contrast scans performed in three patients the angiosarcoma became wholly or partly isodense compared to normal liver. The CT appearances of angiosarcoma of the liver are non-specific but are consistent with a vascular tumour, and the differential diagnosis is discussed. Due to the vascularity of angiosarcoma, liver biopsy may be hazardous and can be avoided when there is a history of exposure to vinyl chloride monomer and the CT findings are consistent with the diagnosis.