A case of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), due to hepatic venous blockage,
was initially misinterpreted on CT and ultrasonography (US) as an infi
ltrating mass of the liver. The irregular enlargement on US and the ir
regular enhancement with large hypodense areas on CT were believed to
be due to an infiltrating mass. US-guided biopsy suggested BCS by show
ing central liver congestion without any signs of tumor growth. The di
agnosis was confirmed by hepatic venography demonstrating collateral v
eins with a typical spiderweb appearance. BCS is a rare, often lethal,
condition and in order to reach an early and accurate diagnosis it is
essential to be aware of the syndrome.