Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): one step forward in the identification of "high risk" solitary fibrotic tumors of the liver

J Ultrasound. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s40477-024-00890-z. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors of the liver (SFTL) are rare neoplasms, whose identification and definition of malignant potential are challenging.

Case presentation: A 62-year-old patient underwent conventional imaging and CEUS to characterize an indeterminate liver lesion after other imaging techniques were inconclusive. In fact, all diagnostic techniques concluded that it was a partially fibrotic lesion, while CEUS determined its extra-hepatocellular origin and malignant potential, initially hypothesized to be a cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the possible risk of seeding following a biopsy procedure, the patient was a candidate for surgery. Subsequently, histopathological examination revealed SFTL.

Conclusion: CEUS confidently characterized the malignancy and hypothesized the origin of the liver lesion, thus aiding in treatment planning.

Keywords: CEUS; Liver; Solitary fibrous tumor; Treatment planning.