Prevalence and characteristics of hepatic hemangiomas assessed by ultrasound: A single-center experience

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Liver hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the liver, with estimated prevalence of 2.5–4%. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hepatic hemangioma in one primary care center in Serbia. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study, which included patients examined in the Dr Simo Milošević Primary Care Center in Belgrade, Serbia (December 2017 – March 2020). Patients with suspected atypical changes, malignancies, viral hepatitis infections, and liver cirrhosis were excluded from the study. Results. A total of 567 patients were included in this study (men 42.5%). In 27 patients (4.76%) a diagnosis of hemangioma was made (male:female ratio: 1.1:1). The total number of hemangiomas detected was 48. Hemangiomas were most commonly found in the right liver lobe (32/48, 66.7%). In this study, hemangiomas were most commonly localized in the fourth liver segment (11/48, 22.9%). The mean diameter of the hemangioma was 13.8 mm. In the half of patients diagnosed with hemangioma, more than one hemangioma was detected (13/27, 48.1%). Conclusion. Hemangiomas of the liver are commonly multiple. No sex difference in hemangioma prevalence was noted. The right liver lobe is the most common hemangioma localization in this study cohort.

Keywords

• liver hemangioma
• ultrasonography
• frequency