Radiologically identifiable intratumoral portal vein in intrahepatic cholangiomas: a diagnostic pitfall.
BACKGROUND
Although intratumoral patent portal vein (ITPV) is one of the characteristic features of benign hepatic lesions, ITPVs can be demonstrated in malignant tumors. We present the spectrum of MR and CT findings of ITPV identified in intrahepatic cholangiomas with pathological correlations.


METHODS
The ultrasound, CT and/or MRI findings of pathologically-confirmed intrahepatic cholangiomas were reviewed and correlated with surgical specimen or autopsy findings.


RESULTS
Intratumoral patent vessels were radiographically-demonstrated in 5 patients with intrahepatic cholangiomas. All intratumoral vessels were secondary or tertiary order portal vein branches. Some wall thickening was identified on pathological examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
The radiological demonstration of intratumoral portal vein is not a specific sign of benignity. In the case of a hepatic tumor with a patent portal tract, cholangioma should be considered, as well as benign tumors or lymphoma.
Kaneko
K
K
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812, Japan.
Honda
H
H
Kajiyama
K
K
Yokomizo
Y
Y
Hashiguchi
N
N
Fukuya
T
T
Tateshi
Y
Y
Ro
T
T
Masuda
K
K
D002759:Adenoma, Bile Duct / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D011172:Portography; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014654:Vascular Patency