Primary carcinoid tumor of the liver: report of a case with an emphasis on contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic findings.

We report the case of a 82-year-old man with primary carcinoid tumor of the liver. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) showed 2 well-demarcated, round tumors in the right lobe (4 x 4 cm and 1 x 1 cm). The lesions were both markedly echogenic with many small cystic areas. Contrast-enhanced US showed the whole tumor to be quickly and highly enhanced, suggesting the highly vascular nature of the lesion, and the findings corresponded well with hepatic angiographic results. The patient underwent a US-guided needle biopsy, which yielded histological results consistent with a carcinoid tumor. Considering his age, we selected radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment. After treatment, contrast-enhanced US demonstrated complete disappearance of blood flow signals, indicating satisfactory treatment. Our case showed that US and contrast-enhanced US findings can lead to a high suspicion of carcinoid tumor.