THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCES OF ANGIOSARCOMA OF THE LIVER

The computed tomographic (CT) appearances are described in five vinyl chloride workers with hepatic angiosarcoma subsequently confirmed at p ost-mortem. The tumour was multifocal in four patients. Non-enhanced s cans were available in four cases showing hypodense masses relative to background liver. Dynamic scanning during intravenous contrast inject ion was performed in all five patients showing peripheral or central f oci of enhancement within the tumour. On delayed post-contrast scans p erformed in three patients the angiosarcoma became wholly or partly is odense compared to normal liver. The CT appearances of angiosarcoma of the liver are non-specific but are consistent with a vascular tumour, and the differential diagnosis is discussed. Due to the vascularity o f angiosarcoma, liver biopsy may be hazardous and can be avoided when there is a history of exposure to vinyl chloride monomer and the CT fi ndings are consistent with the diagnosis.