Well-defined, dense and continuously spreading enhancement on single level dynamic CT of the liver: a characteristic sign of hepatic cavernous haemangioma.

The findings of single-level dynamic CT were reviewed in 83 lesions of cavernous haemangioma, 90 lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma, 29 lesions of metastatic tumour and 10 lesions of other hepatic masses in order to see the validity of characteristic findings of hepatic cavernous haemangioma. Well-defined, dense and continuously spreading enhancement (WDCSE) being defined as follows: 1. well-defined contour of enhanced area, 2. the density of maximally enhanced area almost same as that of enhanced vessel and 3. continuously spreading enhancement continuing over 20 seconds, WDCSE was noted definitely in 47 lesions of cavernous haemangioma alone (57%; 77% over 3 cm, 64% between 2 and 3 cm, and 19% under 2 cm in diameter) and, suggestively in 16 lesions of cavernous haemangioma and 4 lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma, but in no lesions of other tumours. WDCSE did not show a high sensitivity for cavernous haemangioma but it had a 100% positive predictive value for the disease. If WDCSE is noticed even in oncology patients with hepatic mass, no further examination may be necessary.