Hepatic Hemangioma: Review of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumors. Typically, small- to medium-sized hemangiomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally through the widespread use of imaging techniques. Giant hemangiomas (>5 cm) have a higher risk of complications. A variety of imaging methods are used for diagnosis. Cavernous hemangioma is the most frequent type, but radiologists must be aware of other varieties. Conservative management is often adequate, but some cases necessitate targeted interventions. Although surgery was traditionally the main treatment, the evolution of minimally invasive procedures now often recommends transarterial chemoembolization as the treatment of choice.

Keywords

• hepatic hemangiomas
• atypical hepatic hemangioma
• computed tomography (CT)
• magnetic resonance (MR)
• ultrasound (US)
• contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)