Contrast-enhanced three-dimensional fusion sonography of small liver metastases with pathologic correlation.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that liver metastases with a diameter of < or =40 mm show characteristic features on three-dimensional (3D) fusion sonographic images and that these sonographic findings can be correlated with histopathologic features of surgical specimens.


METHODS
Liver metastases measuring < or =40 mm were examined via contrast-enhanced 3D fusion sonography. The characteristic sonographic findings of 17 tumor nodules in 11 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of liver metastases were investigated, and their correspondence to the pathologic features were examined in 12 resected nodules.


RESULTS
On sonograms, central vessels were visualized in all 17 tumor nodules and peripheral vessels were visualized in 12 nodules. On histopathologic examination, the portal triad vessels corresponded to the central vessels and were located at the center of the tumors. A thin layer of peritumoral hepatocytes showing various changes was also observed, and a group of tiny vessels were seen running along this layer of cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Liver metastases measuring 40 mm or less in diameter were characterized by the presence of both central and peripheral vessels on contrast-enhanced 3D fusion sonography. There was good correlation between sonographic and histopathologic findings.
Yukisawa
Seigo
S
Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, Japan.
Ohto
Masao
M
Masuya
Yoshio
Y
Okabe
Shinichirou
S
Fukuda
Hiroyuki
H
Yoshikawa
Masaharu
M
Ebara
Masaaki
M
Saisho
Hiromitsu
H
Ohtsuka
Masayuki
M
Miyazaki
Masaru
M
Kondo
Fukuo
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011134:Polysaccharides; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508