Budd-Chiari syndrome misinterpreted as an infiltrating liver mass. A case report.

A case of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), due to hepatic venous blockage, was initially misinterpreted on CT and ultrasonography (US) as an infiltrating mass of the liver. The irregular enlargement on US and the irregular enhancement with large hypodense areas on CT were believed to be due to an infiltrating mass. US-guided biopsy suggested BCS by showing central liver congestion without any signs of tumor growth. The diagnosis was confirmed by hepatic venography demonstrating collateral veins with a typical spiderweb appearance. BCS is a rare, often lethal, condition and in order to reach an early and accurate diagnosis it is essential to be aware of the syndrome.