Diagnosis of hepatic cavernous hemangioma by fine needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasonic guidance.

Percutaneous aspiration biopsy of the liver using a heparinized 22-gauge needle was performed under ultrasonic guidance in 11 patients with hepatic cavernous hemangioma. Ten (91%) of 11 biopsy specimens obtained were cytologically diagnostic for hemangioma. No indications of malignancy were found. There was no relation between the cytological diagnosis and the location, size, or ultrasonographic findings. No complications were encountered. These findings indicate that cytological examination of the liver by fine needle aspiration biopsy is useful in diagnosing hepatic cavernous hemangioma of any size and in any location, provided optimal route to the lesions is chosen.