HEPATIC ADENOMA - MR FINDINGS IN 51 PATHOLOGICALLY PROVED LESIONS

PURPOSE: To describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of h epatic adenoma and correlate these findings with histopathologic findi ngs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR findings of 51 pathologically proved he patic adenomas in 29 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyze d. T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo (SE) images were obtained in all pati ents, and contrast material-enhanced MR images were obtained in 16 pat ients. RESULTS: At pathologic analysis, a peripheral rim, observed in 16 (31%) hepatic adenomas, corresponded to pseudocapsule, and tumor he terogeneity, observed in 26 (51%) lesions, corresponded to hemorrhagic necrosis and peliosis. Hyperintensity on T1-weighted SE images was ob served in 30 (59%) adenomas; 10 (67%) of 15 hepatic adenomas were hype rintense on contrast-enhanced gradient-echo images, and 13 (45%) of 29 were hyperintense on delayed contrast-enhanced TI-weighted SE images. CONCLUSION: Presence of a peripheral rim, heterogeneity, and hyperint ensity are common features of hepatic adenoma.