Radiology
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
 QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Figures Only
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Brancatelli, G.
Right arrow Articles by Thaete, L.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Brancatelli, G.
Right arrow Articles by Thaete, L.
(Radiology. 2001;219:61-68.)
© RSNA, 2001


Gastrointestinal Imaging

Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: CT Findings with Emphasis on Multiphasic Helical CT in 78 Patients1

Giuseppe Brancatelli, MD, Michael P. Federle, MD, Luigi Grazioli, MD, Arye Blachar, MD, Mark S. Peterson, MD and Leland Thaete, MD

1 From the Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop St, Rm 4660 CHP MT, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582 (G.B., M.P.F., A.B., M.S.P., L.T.), and the Department of Radiology, University of Brescia, Italy (L.G.). Received May 26, 2000; revision requested July 17; revision received August 7; accepted August 30. G.B. supported by the Nicholas Green Fulbright Grant. Address correspondence to M.P.F. (e-mail: federle+@pitt.edu).


    ABSTRACT
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES
 
PURPOSE: To evaluate features of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) at multiphasic helical computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, pathologic, and preoperative imaging findings were retrospectively reviewed in 78 patients. Conventional liver CT was performed in nine patients; helical multiphasic CT, in 69. Diagnosis was based on complete resection (n = 20), biopsy (n = 42), or clinical and imaging follow-up for a minimum of 6 months (n = 16). Number, size, location, margins, surface, homogeneity of enhancement, and presence of a central scar, mass effect, exophytic growth, calcification, pseudocapsule, or vessels feeding or draining the lesion were evaluated.

RESULTS: CT depicted 124 tumors (mean diameter, 4.1 cm; range, 1–11 cm); 62 were small (<=3 cm). FNHs were hypervascular and hyperattenuating to liver on 106 of 106 arterial phase scans and were isoattenuating to liver on 82 of 89 delayed scans. Of the 124 tumors, 111 enhanced homogeneously, 109 had a smooth surface, 101 were subcapsular, 89 had ill-defined margins, and 62 had a central scar that was observed more often in large lesions (40 of 62 lesions) than in small lesions (22 of 62 lesions). FNHs less frequently exerted a mass effect (43 lesions), had vessels around or within the lesion (42 lesions), demonstrated exophytic growth (40 lesions), or showed a pseudocapsule (10 lesions). Only one FNH had calcification.

CONCLUSION: Helical CT demonstrates characteristic features that may allow confident diagnosis of FNH. In typical cases, neither biopsy nor further imaging is necessary.

Index terms: Liver, focal nodular hyperplasia, 761.3198 • Liver neoplasms, 761.3198 • Liver neoplasms, CT, 761.12115, 761.12119 • Liver neoplasms, diagnosis, 761.12119


    INTRODUCTION
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES
 
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is an uncommon benign tumor of the liver, usually discovered in young women who undergo imaging examinations for unrelated reasons. It is probably caused by a hyperplastic response to a localized vascular abnormality (1). Improvements in modern cross-sectional imaging have made diagnosis of FNH more common. Although FNH deserves conservative management, it may simulate imaging characteristics of some malignant liver masses; therefore, a correct preoperative diagnosis is essential. While the imaging characteristics of FNH have been described in multiple publications (2,3), there have been few reports of large numbers of patients with FNH examined with helical multiphasic computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the CT imaging features of FNH in a large number of patients and to correlate the radiologic and pathologic findings.


    MATERIALS AND METHODS
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES
 
We reviewed the medical records and radiology files at our two institutions from March 1989 to March 2000 and identified 129 patients with a diagnosis of FNH. Ninety-nine patients had undergone CT. Fourteen patients were excluded because of lack of presurgical CT (n = 7) or because their CT scans could not be located (n = 7). Seven patients without pathologic proof of FNH were excluded because of insufficient imaging follow-up. The remaining 78 patients formed our study group.

Study Population
There were 69 women and eight men aged 16–70 years (mean, 37 years) and one boy aged 5 years. Nineteen of the women had a history of oral contraceptive use. None of the men had a history of anabolic steroid use. For 48 patients, FNH was an unexpected finding on images obtained for unrelated reasons, while the other 30 patients had abdominal symptoms or signs, including pain (n = 29) and abnormal liver function (n = 1). Four patients had a history of breast carcinoma; two, of renal carcinoma; and one, of seminoma. One patient had clinical evidence of viral hepatitis.

Twenty-two FNHs were removed in 20 patients (18 patients with one lesion and two each with two lesions) by means of resection (n = 21) or orthotopic liver transplantation (n = 1). In three patients with two (n = 2) or three (n = 1) lesions each, only one FNH was resected because of the small dimensions of the others. In 42 patients, specimens were obtained from at least one hepatic lesion by means of percutaneous (n = 41) or laparoscopic (n = 1) needle biopsy. In patients with more than three lesions, biopsy was performed in at least two masses. Percutaneous biopsy included histologic core-needle and aspiration cytologic analysis in all patients. Histopathologic confirmation of FNH was based on demonstration of a central scar or of normal-appearing hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and blood vessels arranged in nodules and surrounded by fibrous septa that contained a variable amount of primitive bile ductules. Sixteen patients underwent additional CT and clinical follow-up for a minimum of 6 months (range, 6–60 months; mean, 25 months) (Table 1).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

 
TABLE 1. Proof of FNH Lesion
 
Review of the histopathology reports was conducted by a single investigator (G.B.). In addition to the specific histologic features of FNH noted before, we looked for the following features: color and consistency of the mass; nature of the border (sharply or ill defined); presence of a scar and septa; and any evidence of calcification, necrosis, hemorrhage, fat, or encapsulation.

We also recorded any imaging and histopathologic evidence of hepatic vascular abnormalities or non-FNH tumors among the patients with proved FNH.

CT Protocols
CT examinations through the liver included nonenhanced imaging in 73 patients and contrast material–enhanced imaging in 78 patients. Helical CT was performed in 69 patients, including both hepatic arterial phase (HAP) (n = 64) and portal venous phase (PVP) (n = 69) imaging through the liver, with delays of 25–35 seconds and 60–70 seconds, respectively, after initiation of the intravenous bolus injection of contrast material. All nine patients who underwent conventional (nonhelical) CT had postcontrast scans, with a delay of 60 seconds. On average, patients received 150 mL of 60% iodinated contrast medium (iothalamate meglumine [Conray 60] or ioversol [Optiray 320]; Mallinckrodt Medical, St Louis, Mo). For conventional CT, contrast agent was intravenously administered at a rate of 2.5 or 3.0 mL/sec. For helical multiphasic examinations, the rate was 4 or 5 mL/sec, with use of a power injector (model OP 100; Medrad, Pittsburgh, Pa). Fifty-four patients also underwent delayed phase imaging through the liver, 5 minutes (n = 39) or 10–20 minutes (n = 15) after initiation of contrast medium administration. Section thickness was 5–7 mm for conventional and helical imaging. All CT examinations were performed with a model 9800, Advantage, HiLight Advantage, HiSpeed Advantage, or LightSpeed scanner (GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, Wis) or a Somatom Plus 4 CT scanner (Siemens Medical Systems, Erlangen, Germany).

Image Analysis
The CT scans were reviewed retrospectively and independently by two abdominal radiologists (G.B., L.G.) at one university (University of Brescia, Italy) or by three abdominal radiologists (A.B., M.S.P., L.T.) at a second university (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pa) with knowledge of the diagnosis of FNH but without knowledge of the specific number of tumors or clinicopathologic findings in any patient. The radiologists’ experience varied from 5 to 21 years (mean, 12.4 years). Because our purpose was to evaluate the CT imaging features of FNH in these patients and not to evaluate the accuracy of the diagnostic modality or readers, we did not test for interobserver disagreement but used consensus opinion. All observers agreed on the number of masses in all cases.

The number, size, and location (peripheral or central) of the FNH lesions were evaluated. A lesion was considered small if it was 3 cm or less in maximum diameter. The nature of the tumor margins (sharply or ill defined) and surface (smooth or grossly lobulated) was noted. A lesion was defined as peripheral or central if its margins were respectively adjacent or not adjacent to the liver surface. A mass was considered homogeneous if it enhanced to the same degree in all its parts, with the exception of the scar or septa. Vessels adjacent to the FNH were judged as displaced if the tumor clearly exerted a mass effect on them. The lesion was considered to have an exophytic growth if it produced a focal convex bulge of the liver contour.

The presence of enlarged vessels feeding or draining the mass, as well as peripheral, central, or septal arteries, was assessed. A pseudocapsule was judged to be present if a thin, curvilinear border surrounded the tumor and had a distinct attenuation difference compared to the surrounding liver parenchyma on nonenhanced or enhanced scans. The liver was considered fatty if its attenuation was equal to or less than that of the spleen on nonenhanced or delayed scans. The presence of intralesional calcifications or upper abdominal lymphadenopathy was also evaluated.

The attenuation of the lesion was judged relative to that of the surrounding liver on nonenhanced scans, as well as on scans obtained in each phase (HAP, PVP, and delayed phase) of contrast enhancement. A central scar was defined as an area of distinctly different attenuation in or near the center of the lesion on nonenhanced scans or at different phases of enhancement. The scar was considered large if it had a diameter of more than 1 cm. Septa were defined as linear structures radiating peripherally from the central scar. When a patient had serial images, the size stability of a lesion was assessed.

The exact number and nature of the hepatic tumors could not be determined because only one patient underwent liver transplantation, and none underwent autopsy. The total number of lesions detected with consensus interpretation of scans obtained in each phase of the multiphasic CT examination was used to judge the detection and characterization of the hepatic masses at each phase of imaging. Specific and detailed imaging criteria were sought and recorded for each lesion, each patient, and each study.

The protocol for this investigation was approved by our institutional review board at the University of Pittsburgh.


    RESULTS
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES
 
Histopathologic Findings
Among the 22 totally excised FNH lesions, the mean maximum tumor diameter was 5 cm, (range, 2–11 cm). Most had ill-defined smooth borders and were predominantly of rubbery to firm consistency with a white-tan color on the surface. A distinct central scar and radiating fibrous septa were detected in 17 of the 22 specimens; in the remaining five, fibrous bands were seen organizing the parenchymal architecture into lobules (Fig 1). No distinct tumor capsule was identified in any specimen.



View larger version (148K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 1. Cut section of a typical resected FNH. This 4-cm-diameter lesion has a homogeneous texture divided into lobules by thin fibrous septa (straight arrows). A pale thin scar (curved arrow) is present. The mass has smooth nonencapsulated margins.

 
Intratumoral calcification, fat, and areas of necrosis were never detected in the resected specimens. (Only one of the 124 FNH lesions had calcification on CT scans.) In one specimen, an area of stellate hemorrhage was discovered at gross inspection that had not been detected on the preoperative CT scan. One patient underwent hepatic lobectomy for resection of a 5-cm FNH, and two additional subcentimeter nodules of FNH were also discovered that had not been identified at CT.

CT Findings
Each radiologist identified 124 lesions in the 78 patients. Sixty patients (77%) had a single lesion, while 18 patients had multiple FNH lesions: One patient had 11 lesions believed to be FNH, one patient had eight, one patient had seven, three patients had four, two patients had three lesions, and the other 10 patients had two lesions. In all patients with multiple FNH lesions, the lesions were identified on multiphasic helical CT scans. Of the nine patients with conventional (nonhelical) CT scans, in none were multiple lesions detected. The lesions had a mean maximum diameter of 4.1 cm (range, 1–11 cm).

Interval Change
Of the 16 patients who underwent serial CT evaluation (mean follow-up, 25 months), seven patients had a temporal change in the size of the FNH. In two patients, the tumor decreased from 11.0 to 6.5 cm and from 10 to 4 cm after the interruption of oral contraceptive use during 12 months. The larger of these lesions became slightly heterogeneous and developed a focal calcification within the FNH. In one patient, a nodule of 3 cm newly appeared during 14 months. In one patient, a lesion increased in size from 4.0 to 5.5 cm in 18 months. In one patient, a lesion increased in size from 5.5 to 7.0 cm, and a nodule newly appeared during 12 months. In one patient, an FNH was detected with helical CT during HAP enhancement; this lesion was not detected with the conventional CT scan (nonenhanced and PVP phases) obtained 2 years previously. In one patient, the size (all <=3 cm) and overall number of FNH apparently increased, while other FNH lesions were not visible on subsequent CT scans. All these lesions were well documented at repeated helical multiphasic CT, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasonography, and radionuclide studies, along with biopsy of multiple lesions during 4 years. The patients remained healthy, with normal liver function. No patients in whom the size or number of FNH lesions increased or decreased had other evidence of hepatic malignancy, and none was receiving chemotherapy.

Four patients with breast carcinoma underwent biopsy of the FNH lesions (n = 3) or were followed up for 19 months, with no change in the size of the lesion (n = 1). Two patients with renal carcinoma underwent biopsy of the FNH lesion. One patient with seminoma was followed up for 48 months, with no change in size of a hypervascular subcapsular lesion and with imaging findings considered diagnostic of FNH. There has been no other evidence of metastatic disease among these patients.

CT Morphologic Features
A summary of characteristic CT findings is presented in Table 2. The surface of the FNH was smooth in 109 (88%) of 124 lesions (lobulated in 15 [12%] lesions), and the margins were ill-defined in 89 (72%) (sharply defined in 35 [28%]) (Fig 2). The lesions were predominantly in a subcapsular location in 101 (81%, deeper within the liver in 23 [19%]). Forty-three FNH lesions (35%) exerted a mass effect and displaced adjacent blood vessels. Exophytic growth, or distortion of the hepatic contour, was present in 40 (32%) lesions.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]

 
TABLE 2. Characteristic CT Findings of the 124 FNH Lesions according to Size
 


View larger version (165K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 2a. Typical FNH on multiphasic CT scans. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan through the left hepatic lobe. Central scar (arrow) is visible, but most of the FNH is almost isoattenuating to liver. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances brightly and homogeneously except for the central scar and thin septa (arrows). Note the subcapsular location. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH and scar begin to fade toward isoattenuation. (d) Ten-minute-delayed scan at the same level. FNH is isoattenuating to liver, and the central scar is faintly hyperattenuating. (e) HAP scan at a lower level. Enlarged feeding artery (arrow) branches along the surface of the lesion and penetrates to the center (not shown on this section).

 


View larger version (167K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 2b. Typical FNH on multiphasic CT scans. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan through the left hepatic lobe. Central scar (arrow) is visible, but most of the FNH is almost isoattenuating to liver. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances brightly and homogeneously except for the central scar and thin septa (arrows). Note the subcapsular location. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH and scar begin to fade toward isoattenuation. (d) Ten-minute-delayed scan at the same level. FNH is isoattenuating to liver, and the central scar is faintly hyperattenuating. (e) HAP scan at a lower level. Enlarged feeding artery (arrow) branches along the surface of the lesion and penetrates to the center (not shown on this section).

 


View larger version (169K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 2c. Typical FNH on multiphasic CT scans. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan through the left hepatic lobe. Central scar (arrow) is visible, but most of the FNH is almost isoattenuating to liver. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances brightly and homogeneously except for the central scar and thin septa (arrows). Note the subcapsular location. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH and scar begin to fade toward isoattenuation. (d) Ten-minute-delayed scan at the same level. FNH is isoattenuating to liver, and the central scar is faintly hyperattenuating. (e) HAP scan at a lower level. Enlarged feeding artery (arrow) branches along the surface of the lesion and penetrates to the center (not shown on this section).

 


View larger version (166K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 2d. Typical FNH on multiphasic CT scans. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan through the left hepatic lobe. Central scar (arrow) is visible, but most of the FNH is almost isoattenuating to liver. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances brightly and homogeneously except for the central scar and thin septa (arrows). Note the subcapsular location. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH and scar begin to fade toward isoattenuation. (d) Ten-minute-delayed scan at the same level. FNH is isoattenuating to liver, and the central scar is faintly hyperattenuating. (e) HAP scan at a lower level. Enlarged feeding artery (arrow) branches along the surface of the lesion and penetrates to the center (not shown on this section).

 


View larger version (170K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 2e. Typical FNH on multiphasic CT scans. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan through the left hepatic lobe. Central scar (arrow) is visible, but most of the FNH is almost isoattenuating to liver. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances brightly and homogeneously except for the central scar and thin septa (arrows). Note the subcapsular location. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH and scar begin to fade toward isoattenuation. (d) Ten-minute-delayed scan at the same level. FNH is isoattenuating to liver, and the central scar is faintly hyperattenuating. (e) HAP scan at a lower level. Enlarged feeding artery (arrow) branches along the surface of the lesion and penetrates to the center (not shown on this section).

 
Abnormal vessels in or around the FNH were identified in 42 (34%) lesions: 40 on helical CT scans (Fig 3) and only two on conventional CT scans. These vessels were believed to represent feeding arteries or early draining veins, and their location was described as peripheral (n = 34), septal (n = 19), or central (n = 16), with multiple locations in some cases.



View larger version (114K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 3. Typical large FNH with peritumoral vessels. Transverse CT scan obtained in the HAP through the right lobe. A portion of the central scar (straight arrow) is seen along with dilated arteries or early draining veins (curved arrow) along the surface of the FNH.

 
A pseudocapsule was identified around the FNH in 10 (8%) of the 124 lesions (Fig 4). In two patients with a nonfatty liver, the pseudocapsule was hypoattenuating to the lesion and to liver on HAP scans and was hyperattenuating on PVP scans. In five lesions, the pseudocapsule was seen as hyperattenuating on PVP scans and not seen on HAP scans. In three patients with fatty liver (steatosis), the pseudocapsule was hyperattenuating to the FNH and liver on nonenhanced and enhanced scans. There were three additional patients with fatty liver in which a pseudocapsule was not detected around the FNH.



View larger version (165K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 4a. FNH with pseudocapsule. (a) Transverse CT scan obtained in the HAP (25-second delay, too early for optimal enhancement). FNH is only slightly hyperattenuating to liver. The pseudocapsule (arrows) is hypoattenuating to the FNH and the liver. (b) PVP scan at the same level. FNH is almost isoattenuating; the pseudocapsule (arrows) is hyperattenuating.

 


View larger version (186K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 4b. FNH with pseudocapsule. (a) Transverse CT scan obtained in the HAP (25-second delay, too early for optimal enhancement). FNH is only slightly hyperattenuating to liver. The pseudocapsule (arrows) is hypoattenuating to the FNH and the liver. (b) PVP scan at the same level. FNH is almost isoattenuating; the pseudocapsule (arrows) is hyperattenuating.

 
Fat was never identified within any FNH. In one patient, there was CT evidence of hemorrhage, tumor necrosis, and calcification in a single large lesion (Fig 5). One case of upper abdominal lymphadenopathy was seen in a patient with viral hepatitis.



View larger version (143K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 5a. Atypical FNH simulating fibrolamellar HCC. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan. Focal calcification (arrow) is visible within a large irregular scar. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances intensely, but the lesion is unusually lobulated with a thick irregular scar. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH (arrows) is now slightly hypoattenuating to liver. (d) Five-minute delay scan at the same level. Pseudocapsule (arrows) is evident.

 


View larger version (151K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 5b. Atypical FNH simulating fibrolamellar HCC. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan. Focal calcification (arrow) is visible within a large irregular scar. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances intensely, but the lesion is unusually lobulated with a thick irregular scar. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH (arrows) is now slightly hypoattenuating to liver. (d) Five-minute delay scan at the same level. Pseudocapsule (arrows) is evident.

 


View larger version (153K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 5c. Atypical FNH simulating fibrolamellar HCC. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan. Focal calcification (arrow) is visible within a large irregular scar. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances intensely, but the lesion is unusually lobulated with a thick irregular scar. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH (arrows) is now slightly hypoattenuating to liver. (d) Five-minute delay scan at the same level. Pseudocapsule (arrows) is evident.

 


View larger version (149K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
[Download PPT slide]
 
Figure 5d. Atypical FNH simulating fibrolamellar HCC. (a) Transverse nonenhanced CT scan. Focal calcification (arrow) is visible within a large irregular scar. (b) HAP scan at the same level. FNH enhances intensely, but the lesion is unusually lobulated with a thick irregular scar. (c) PVP scan at the same level. FNH (arrows) is now slightly hypoattenuating to liver. (d) Five-minute delay scan at the same level. Pseudocapsule (arrows) is evident.

 
Enhancement or Attenuation of FNH and Scar
Of the 117 lesions seen on nonenhanced CT scans, the FNH was hypoattenuating to liver in 47 (40%), isoattenuating in 66 (57%), and hyperattenuating in four (3%). All four hyperattenuating lesions were in livers with abnormally low attenuating liver parenchyma due to hepatic steatosis or Budd-Chiari syndrome. Of the 106 lesions seen on HAP scans, the FNH was hyperattenuating to liver in all 106 (100%). Of the 124 lesions seen on the PVP scans, eight (6%) were hypoattenuating, 89 (72%) were isoattenuating, and 27 (22%) were hyperattenuating. Of the 61 lesions seen on 5-minute delay scans, four (7%) were hypoattenuating, 54 (88%) were isoattenuating, and three (5%) were hyperattenuating. The 32 FNH lesions seen on 10–20-minute delayed phase scans were judged hypoattenuating in three cases (9%), isoattenuating in 28 cases (88%), and hyperattenuating in one case (3%). The lesions enhanced homogeneously in 111 (90%) of the 124 lesions and heterogeneously in 13 (10%).

CT demonstrated a central scar in 62 (50%) of the 124 tumors. The size of the central scar was described as small in 44 lesions (71%) and large in 18 lesions (29%) (Figs 2, 5). The central scar showed radiating septal bands that extended toward the periphery of the tumor in five lesions (8%) (Fig 2). In a comparison of the central scar with the surrounding mass, on nonenhanced scans the scar was hypoattenuating in 30 (54%) of 56 lesions and isoattenuating in 26 (46%). On HAP scans, the scar was hypoattenuating in 43 (90%) of 48 lesions, isoattenuating in three (6%), and hyperattenuating in two (4%). On PVP scans, the scar was hypoattenuating in 42 (68%) of 62 lesions, isoattenuating in 14 (22%), and hyperattenuating in six (10%). On delayed phase scans at 5 minutes, one (4%) of 27 scars was hypoattenuating, four (15%) were isoattenuating, and 22 (81%) were hyperattenuating. On 10–20-minute delayed scans, the scar was judged to be hypoattenuating in four (27%) of 15 lesions, isoattenuating in eight (53%), and hyperattenuating in three (20%) (Fig 2).

Size
In our series, 62 lesions were 3 cm or smaller in diameter. All but one of these lesions (61 [98%] lesions) were identified on helical CT scans. A central scar was identified less frequently in these smaller FNH lesions (22 [35%] lesions) than in the larger lesions (40 [65%] lesions). Small FNH lesions almost never had abnormal vessels identified within or around the lesion (n = 2) and rarely showed exophytic growth (n = 1) or displacement of adjacent vessels (n = 2). Small FNH lesions were isoattenuating to liver and nondetectable on nonenhanced (44 [71%] of 62 lesions), PVP (57 [92%] of 62 lesions), and delayed (45 [98%] of 46 lesions) CT scans and were invariably homogeneous. All 62 small FNH lesions showed homogeneous hyperattenuation to liver on HAP scans.

Only two lesions had CT characteristics that were substantially different, consisting of large (9- and 11-cm–diameter) lesions with a grossly lobulated contour, heterogeneous enhancement, large scar, and broad septa that demonstrated delayed persistent enhancement. One of these also had calcification within the central scar (Fig 5).

Associated Lesions
Of the 78 patients with FNH, 18 (23%) had at least one other benign hepatic tumor. Five (6%) had a hepatic adenoma, single in four and multiple in one. The solitary adenomas were 4.0, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 cm in diameter and were hypoattenuating to liver on nonenhanced and PVP scans; these were homogeneous (n = 3) or heterogeneous (n = 1) on both enhanced and nonenhanced scans. In the patient with multiple adenomas, the largest adenoma was 7.5 cm, and all adenomas were distinctly hypoattenuating to the nonenhanced liver due to the fat content in the lesions. The diagnosis of both adenoma and FNH was confirmed at histopathologic examination after resection (n = 3) or percutaneous biopsy (n = 2) of multiple masses.

Thirteen patients (17%) had an associated cavernous hemangioma. The hemangiomas were single in eight and multiple in five, ranging from 0.7 to 6.0 cm; these were isoattenuating to the blood pool on nonenhanced and enhanced CT scans and showed nodular peripheral enhancement. Only one patient had a congenital or acquired hepatic vascular anomaly, which was due to Budd-Chiari syndrome. In this patient, an angiogram showed occlusion of the vena cava in the intrahepatic portion, and the hepatic veins were not visualized.


    DISCUSSION
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES
 
FNH is a benign neoplastic or tumorlike lesion of the liver that was rarely encountered by radiologists prior to the current practice of helical CT (or MR imaging) during the rapid bolus injection of contrast medium. The prevalence of FNH was found to be 0.9% in a study of 2,500 consecutive autopsies, indicating that, as imaging methods improve, FNH will be encountered frequently (4). Because FNH is benign and usually asymptomatic and because fine-needle aspiration cytology is likely to be nondiagnostic, confident and specific diagnosis of FNH is important to preclude invasive and expensive evaluation.

In our series of 78 patients with FNH, 18 (23%) had an associated benign vascular neoplasm. Hepatocellular adenoma was present in five, including one patient with adenomatosis (>10 adenomas). Other investigators have also noted this association: Nguyen et al (5) reported a surgical pathologic series of 305 FNH lesions in 168 patients and found hepatic adenomas in 3.6% and one case of adenomatosis. The same investigators found cavernous hemangiomas in 6.5% of the patients with FNH, lower than the 17% incidence in our series, and somewhat higher than the 2.3% incidence in another article (6). We also report a case of FNH in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome. All these associations serve to support the theory that hepatic vascular derangement predisposes the development of FNH.

Before helical multiphasic hepatic CT became prevalent, FNH was rarely diagnosed with confidence. Even with multiphasic CT, some authors (3) have reported atypical features of FNH that may hinder diagnosis. Our experience suggests that most FNHs are easily recognized on CT scans when proper CT techniques are used and when the size of the FNH and the status of the surrounding liver are taken into account.

A CT protocol designed to optimize detection and characterization of a focal hepatic mass would include the acquisition of nonenhanced sections and of images during the HAP, PVP, and ideally 5–10-minute delayed phase. On nonenhanced CT scans, FNH is usually isoattenuating (57% of our lesions) or slightly hypoattenuating (40%). FNH is only hyperattenuating to nonenhanced liver when there is hepatic steatosis or when the liver is otherwise abnormally decreased in attenuation. In some patients with hepatic steatosis, the FNH is still isoattenuating or hypoattenuating on nonenhanced CT; in rare cases, this may be due to fatty infiltration of the FNH itself (7).

FNH is usually isoattenuating to liver on PVP and delayed phase scans, which accounts for the rarity of this diagnosis in the pre–helical CT era. Depending on factors including the rate of contrast medium injection, scanning delay, and circulation time, the upper half of the liver may be scanned during the late HAP–early PVP of imaging, accounting for the tendency to observe hyperattenuating FNH in the dome of the liver on PVP scans, on both helical and nonhelical scans.

The most reliable CT signs of FNH are homogeneous bright enhancement and a central scar. These are optimally depicted with thin (5–7-cm) CT sections and helical scanning during the HAP (30–35-second delay) while an adequate volume of contrast medium (approximately 2 mL per kilogram of body weight) is injected at a rapid rate (4 or 5 mL/sec). With use of these factors, all of our FNH lesions were hyperattenuating on HAP scans. Additional common features of FNH in our series were smooth (nonlobulated) contour (88%), ill-defined margins (72%), and a subcapsular location (81%).

A central scar was identified on CT scans in 62 (50%) of the 124 FNH lesions and was small (<1 cm in width) in 71% of these (44 lesions). Radiating fibrous bands or septa were a characteristic but infrequent (8%) finding. The scar was almost always visualized as being hypoattenuating to the remainder of the FNH on nonenhanced and enhanced scans, except for delayed scans in which the retention of contrast material within the fibrous scar made it isoattenuating (15%) or even hyperattenuating (81%). Detection of a central scar was clearly related to the size of the FNH. A scar was identified in only 35% of FNH 3 cm or less in diameter but in 65% of larger FNH.

Other features of FNH also appear to be related to its size. Smaller lesions invariably enhance homogeneously, rarely distort liver architecture, and rarely have displaced or enlarged peritumoral blood vessels.

We do not consider many of the CT findings of FNH reported by other authors (3) to be atypical, even if they are encountered in a minority of lesions. As noted before, FNH is usually and predictably hyperattenuating to fatty liver on nonenhanced and enhanced CT scans. Larger lesions reliably demonstrate a central scar, may be slightly heterogeneous (mostly attributable to the fibrous septa), and demonstrate dilated feeding arteries or draining veins in 34% of lesions. Enlarged vessels on the surface of an FNH lesion and penetrating to the central scar are a well-recognized pathologic feature of FNH (5), and demonstration of such vessels on CT scans should not be regarded as suggestive of malignancy.

A pseudocapsule or capsulelike rim has also been reported (3,8) as an atypical feature of FNH. We detected such a pseudocapsule in 8% of our lesions. We recognized at least two potential causes for the FNH pseudocapsule. In patients with fatty liver, a pseudocapsule may be evident because compressed liver and mild fibrosis along the periphery of the lesion may be more dense than the liver or FNH (8). Another well-documented source of a capsulelike rim are the dilated vessels and sinusoids around the FNH (9). Again, we believe that good-quality CT scans should be expected to demonstrate such features in some FNHs and that a pseudocapsule should not be regarded as a sign of malignancy.

Relatively little is known about the natural course of FNH, but interval growth has been considered an atypical or worrisome finding. Oral contraceptive use is not responsible for the development of FNH, but they probably stimulate its growth. Mathieu et al (10) examined 216 women with FNH and found a correlation between cessation of oral contraceptive use and regression in size of FNH in two. We also report two patients in whom the FNH decreased from 11.0 to 6.5 cm in diameter and from 10 to 4 cm following cessation of oral contraceptive use. In most patients, regardless of whether oral contraceptives or other steroids are being used, most FNH appear to remain stable in size and number, while a few can be expected to show modest interval growth or decrease in size (10). FNH detectability and apparent size are clearly affected by the imaging protocol used. Variation in the volume of intravenously administered contrast material and rate of injection, CT scanning delays, and other technical factors surely account for some of the increased number and multiplicity of FNH cases that we and other investigators have found recently (11,12).

We continue to regard calcification as a rare finding in FNH, and such lesions would require further documentation of benignity in our practice. Caseiro-Alves et al (13) reported five FNH lesions with calcification in a series of 295 patients, and another isolated case was recently reported (2).

The differential diagnosis for FNH includes other hypervascular tumors such as adenoma, fibrolamellar and conventional hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), small hemangiomas, and hypervascular metastases. While adenomas are also benign, they have a low-grade–malignancy potential, may bleed spontaneously, and are usually resected if large or if the diagnosis is in doubt (14). While adenomas are also most common in women of reproductive age, adenomas are more likely than FNH to contain areas of heterogeneity, fat, necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification. Adenomas usually enhance less brightly and less homogeneously than FNH (14).

Fibrolamellar HCC is another hypervascular tumor occurring in young adults and usually contains a fibrotic scar. Despite these similarities, we believe that the differentiation of these malignant tumors from FNH is usually not difficult. Fibrolamellar HCC is usually first detected on images as a large (>10-cm), heterogeneous, lobulated mass with broad central or eccentric scars and radiating septa. Calcifications are found in 68% of fibrolamellar HCC, and obvious signs of malignancy such as lymphadenopathy (65%), metastases, and biliary and vascular invasion are found in the majority of cases (15). We did encounter two patients with large exophytic FNH lesions having lobulated margins and a broad scar resembling fibrolamellar HCC. Such cases require a higher standard of proof including core biopsy and close follow-up.

Most large (>3-cm) FNH lesions are easy to diagnose with confidence, in our experience, because they demonstrate the characteristic thin central scar (65%) and homogeneous hypervascularity. FNH lesions smaller than 3 cm less often have a visible scar (35%) and may be more difficult to distinguish from other hypervascular tumors. Clinical information and common sense, however, allow confident management in most cases.

Conventional HCC usually occurs in a setting of chronic liver disease, causes elevated serum tumor markers, and usually has different imaging characteristics than those of FNH. HCC is typically heterogeneous and hypoattenuating to normal liver on nonenhanced, delayed, and some PVP scans, while FNH is usually homogeneous and isoattenuating on these scans. HCC is often accompanied by other signs of malignancy, including vascular invasion and metastases (16).

Hypervascular metastases usually occur in the setting of a known malignancy or one evident on the CT scan demonstrating the liver lesion. Metastases, as compared with FNH, are more often multiple, heterogeneous, and less likely to be isoattenuating to liver on nonenhanced, PVP, and delayed CT scans (17).

Most hemangiomas are easily diagnosed with CT due to characteristic nodular, peripheral, and progressive enhancement. Small hemangiomas may be uniformly hyperattenuating on HAP scans but are usually similar to blood pool attenuation on all phases of enhanced and nonenhanced CT, unlike FNH (18).

When CT findings are not considered diagnostic of FNH, or in the presence of a known or suspected hypervascular malignancy, further evaluation may be necessary. Technetium hepatobiliary scintigraphy, or 99mTc HIDA, will demonstrate uptake and delayed excretion of the radiotracer in about 90% of FNH lesions (19). Core-needle biopsy is the most definitive test, but it is essential to acquire tissue from the center of the FNH lesion where the presence of bile ductules along with other hepatic tissue is diagnostic of FNH.

Our study has several limitations, including lack of histologic proof of every lesion in every patient. However, within the limits of ethical patient care, we believe that we have compelling evidence of the benign nature and likely histologic characteristics in all our cases. Ours was a retrospective descriptive study meant to establish reliable CT criteria for identifying FNH with optimized CT techniques. With the recent publication of a series of articles (1418) with substantial numbers of patients with other hypervascular liver tumors examined at helical multiphasic CT, we believe that we now have the basis to conduct a prospective or carefully designed retrospective trial to test the accuracy of CT in this setting.

In conclusion, FNH has become a more common diagnostic consideration in the helical CT era. FNH is a benign-appearing homogeneous mass with attenuation similar to that of normal liver on nonenhanced, PVP, and delayed phase scans; however, it enhances brightly and homogeneously on HAP scans. Lesions larger than 3 cm in diameter usually demonstrate a thin scar, and all FNH lesions typically have a smooth though ill-defined margin and are usually subcapsular. Exophytic growth, presence of a pseudocapsule, peritumoral vessels, and hyperattentuation to fatty liver should not mitigate against this diagnosis. When helical multiphasic CT demonstrates findings characteristic of FNH, further evaluation is often not necessary.


    FOOTNOTES
 
Abbreviations: FNH = focal nodular hyperplasia, HAP = hepatic arterial phase, HCC = hepatocellular carcinoma, PVP = portal venous phase

Author contributions: Guarantors of integrity of entire study, G.B., M.P.F.; study concepts and design, M.P.F.; definition of intellectual content, G.B., M.P.F.; literature research, G.B.; clinical studies, all authors; data acquisition, all authors; data analysis, G.B., M.P.F.; manuscript preparation, all authors; manuscript editing, M.P.F.; manuscript review, M.P.F.; manuscript final version approval, all authors.


    REFERENCES
 TOP
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 REFERENCES
 

  1. Wanless IR, Mawdsley C, Adams R. On the pathogenesis of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver. Hepatology 1985; 5:1194-1200.[Medline]
  2. Carlson SK, Johnson CD, Bender CE, Welch TJ. CT of focal nodular hyperplasia of the Liver. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2000; 174:705-712.[Free Full Text]
  3. Choi CS, Freeny PC. Triphasic helical CT of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia: incidence of atypical findings. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1998; 170:391-395.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  4. Wanless IR, Albrecht S, Bilbao J, et al. Multiple focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver associated with vascular malformation of various organs and neoplasia of the brain: a new syndrome. Mod Pathol 1989; 2:456-462.[Medline]
  5. Nguyen BN, Flejou JF, Terris B, Belghiti J, Degott C. Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: a comprehensive pathologic study of 305 lesions and recognition of new histologic forms. Am J Surg Pathol 1999; 23:1441-1454.[Medline]
  6. Ishak KG, Rabin L. Benign tumors of the liver. Med Clin North Am 1975; 59:995-1013.[Medline]
  7. Mortelé KJ, Stubbe J, Praet M, Van Langenhove P, De Bock G, Kunnen M. Intratumoral steatosis in focal nodular hyperplasia coinciding with diffuse hepatic steatosis: CT and MRI findings with histologic correlation. Abdom Imaging 2000; 25:179-181.[Medline]
  8. Vilgrain V, Flejou J, Arrive L, et al. Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: MR imaging and pathologic correlation in 37 patients. Radiology 1992; 184:699-703.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  9. Procacci C, Fugazzola C, Cinquino M, et al. Contribution of CT to characterization of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver. Gastrointest Radiol 1992; 17:63-73.[Medline]
  10. Mathieu D, Kobeiter H, Maison P, et al. Oral contraceptive use and focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver. Gastroenterology 2000; 118:560-564.[Medline]
  11. Colle I, Op de Beeck B, Hoorens A, Hautekeete M. Multiple focal nodular hyperplasia. J Gastroenterol 1998; 33:904-908.[Medline]
  12. Sadowski DC, Lee SS, Wanless IR, Kelly JK, Heathcote EJ. Progressive type of focal nodular hyperplasia characterized by multiple tumors and recurrence. Hepatology 1995; 21:970-975.[Medline]
  13. Caseiro-Alves F, Zins M, Mahfouz AE, et al. Calcification in focal nodular hyperplasia: a new problem for differentiation from fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. Radiology 1996; 198:889-892.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  14. Ichikawa T, Federle MP, Grazioli L, Nalesnik M. Hepatocellular adenoma: multiphasic CT and histopathologic findings in 25 patients. Radiology 2000; 214:861-868.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  15. Ichikawa T, Federle MP, Grazioli L, Madariaga J, Nalesnik M, Marsh W. Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: imaging and pathologic findings in 31 recent cases. Radiology 1999; 213:352-361.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  16. Baron RL, Oliver JH, III, Dodd GD, III, Nalesnik M, Holbert BL, Carr B. Hepatocellular carcinoma: evaluation with biphasic, contrast-enhanced, helical CT. Radiology 1996; 199:505-511.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  17. Oliver JH, III, Baron RL, Federle MP, Jones BC, Sheng R. Hypervascular liver metastases: do unenhanced and hepatic arterial phase CT images affect tumor detection?. Radiology 1997; 205:709-715.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
  18. Kim T, Federle MP, Baron RL, Peterson MS, Kawanori Y. Discrimination of small hepatic hemangiomas from small hypervascular malignant tumors with two-phase helical CT. Radiology; (in press).
  19. Boulahdour H, Cherqui D, Charlotte F, et al. The hot spot hepatobiliary scan in focal nodular hyperplasia. J Nucl Med 1993; 34:2105-2110.[Abstract/Free Full Text]



This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
R. Kottke, M. Horger, H. Schimmel, and M. Wehrmann
Atypical Focal Nodular Hyperplasia with Cluster-Like Internal Cysts Due to Fibrinoid Necrosis
Am. J. Roentgenol., November 1, 2007; 189(5): W247 - W250.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
RadiologyHome page
P. N. Burns and S. R. Wilson
Focal Liver Masses: Enhancement Patterns on Contrast-enhanced Images--Concordance of US Scans with CT Scans and MR Images
Radiology, December 1, 2006; 242(1): 162 - 174.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
I. R. Kamel, E. Liapi, and E. K. Fishman
Focal nodular hyperplasia: lesion evaluation using 16-MDCT and 3D CT angiography.
Am. J. Roentgenol., June 1, 2006; 186(6): 1587 - 1596.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
S. R. Wilson and P. N. Burns
An Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Focal Liver Masses Using Microbubble Contrast-Enhanced Pulse-Inversion Sonography.
Am. J. Roentgenol., May 1, 2006; 186(5): 1401 - 1412.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Ultrasound MedHome page
H. Ding, W.-P. Wang, B.-J. Huang, R.-X. Wei, N.-A. He, Q. Qi, and C.-L. Li
Imaging of Focal Liver Lesions: Low-Mechanical-Index Real-time Ultrasonography With SonoVue
J. Ultrasound Med., March 1, 2005; 24(3): 285 - 297.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
T. Kim, T. Murakami, E. Sugihara, M. Hori, K. Wakasa, and H. Nakamura
Hepatic Nodular Lesions Associated with Abnormal Development of the Portal Vein
Am. J. Roentgenol., November 1, 2004; 183(5): 1333 - 1338.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
RadiologyHome page
E. Quaia, F. Calliada, M. Bertolotto, S. Rossi, L. Garioni, L. Rosa, and R. Pozzi-Mucelli
Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions with Contrast-specific US Modes and a Sulfur Hexafluoride-filled Microbubble Contrast Agent: Diagnostic Performance and Confidence
Radiology, August 1, 2004; 232(2): 420 - 430.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
S. Ferlicot, H. Kobeiter, J. T. Van Nhieu, D. Cherqui, D. Dhumeaux, D. Mathieu, and E. S. Zafrani
MRI of Atypical Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver: Radiology-Pathology Correlation
Am. J. Roentgenol., May 1, 2004; 182(5): 1227 - 1231.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
RadiologyHome page
P. Attal, V. Vilgrain, G. Brancatelli, V. Paradis, B. Terris, J. Belghiti, B. Taouli, and Y. Menu
Telangiectatic Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: US, CT, and MR Imaging Findings with Histopathologic Correlation in 13 Cases
Radiology, August 1, 2003; 228(2): 465 - 472.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ImagingHome page
R Williamson
Multiple-choice questionnaire: general
Imaging, December 1, 2002; 14(6): 488 - 497.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Am. J. Roentgenol.Home page
A. Ba-Ssalamah, W. Schima, M. T. Schmook, K. F. Linnau, N. Schibany, T. Helbich, P. Reimer, F. Laengle, F. Wrba, A. Kurtaran, et al.
Atypical Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver: Imaging Features of Nonspecific and Liver-Specific MR Contrast Agents
Am. J. Roentgenol., December 1, 2002; 179(6): 1447 - 1456.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
RadioGraphicsHome page
G. Brancatelli, M. P. Federle, L. Grazioli, R. Golfieri, and R. Lencioni
Benign Regenerative Nodules in Budd-Chiari Syndrome and Other Vascular Disorders of the Liver: Radiologic-Pathologic and Clinical Correlation
RadioGraphics, July 1, 2002; 22(4): 847 - 862.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
RadiologyHome page
A. Blachar, M. P. Federle, J. V. Ferris, J. M. Lacomis, J. S. Waltz, D. R. Armfield, G. Chu, O. Almusa, L. Grazioli, E. Balzano, et al.
Radiologists' Performance in the Diagnosis of Liver Tumors with Central Scars by Using Specific CT Criteria
Radiology, May 1, 2002; 223(2): 532 - 539.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Figures Only
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal