[Sonographic morphology of primary and secondary tumours of the liver (author's transl)].

The sonographic morphology of benign and malignant primary and secondary tumours of the liver has been studied in 153 patients who had been investigated histologically. Eight sonographic appearances have been distinguished: Circumscribed tumours, which may be echo-free, with a faint echo, a homogenous strong echo, strong central echo with faint marginal echo, faint echo with strong marginal echo, strong with acoustic shadowing or a combination of various types; there may be diffuse tumour infiltration. Some correlation between sonographic patterns and tumour type can be recognised. However, unequivocal agreement between sonographic appearances and histological findings has not been established. Nevertheless, the various sonographic appearances of intrahepatic tumours provide valuable information concerning tumour architecture; in conjunction with clinical information this makes a diagnosis possible in a proportion of cases.