Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor: educational value of an incorrect diagnosis at contrast-enhanced ultrasound

J Med Ultrason (2001). 2015 Oct;42(4):547-52. doi: 10.1007/s10396-015-0624-6. Epub 2015 Mar 27.

Abstract

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is a rare lesion that is frequently confused with malignant tumors. According to the latest guidelines on contrast-enhanced ultrasound, hypoenhancement of solid lesions in the portal and late phases corresponds to the wash-out phenomenon that characterizes malignancies. IPT may show rapid arterial enhancement and portal or late phase hypoenhancement, falsely suggesting malignancy. We report a case of a diagnostic error in which a multifocal IPT was misdiagnosed as hepatic metastases. The IPT developed after an endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was investigated by close follow-up with CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT.

Keywords: Contrast-enhanced sonography; Diagnostic error; Focal liver lesion; Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Contrast Media
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Female
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media