Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the spiral CT findings of inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver (IPTL), in order todistinguish this tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic abscess or other space liver occupying lesions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The spiral CT findings of IPTL were retrospectively evaluated in six patients. All caseswere confirmed by ultrasonography-guided gun biopsy. Four patients were men and two were women, and they were agedbetween 37 and 74 (mean, 49) years. The site, size, and number of IPTL were assessed, and their enhancementpatterns were evaluated during the arterial, portal and delayed phases of spiral CT.
RESULTS: Five casesinvolveda solitary mass and in one there were multiple masses with surrounding small nodules. Four cases occurredin the right lobe and two in the left lobe. Four of five surrounding nodules were in the left lobe. During thearterial phase of spiral CT scanning, three layers were separated from four of five cases of solitary mass ; theywere composed of central and peripheral portions of low attenuation, and an intermediate portion ofisoattenuation. Delayed enhancement of the peripheral portion was prominent during the delayed phase. In the caseinvolving multiple masses three layers were not seen during the arterial phase, but during the delayed phaseenhancement was noted.
CONCLUSION: The features of three layers, as seen on spiral CT, is considered to be veryspecific for distinguishing IPTL from other hepatic focal lesions.