Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 5, Issue 3 157-159, Copyright © 1986 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Focal areas of decreased echogenicity in the liver at the porta hepatis
L. L. Berland
Twelve patients are described in whom solitary focal hypoechoic areas in
the liver were observed adjacent to the gallbladder and portal vein. These
areas were all homogeneously hypoechoic relative to adjacent liver, had
variable shapes but well-defined borders, and were less than 4 cm in
diameter. These apparent pseudolesions were incidental findings in patients
who had no evidence of significant liver disease, metastatic malignancy, or
subsequent evidence of developing liver masses. In one patient, a second
sonogram done 21 months after one such area was identified showed no
change. In another patient, a computed tomogram done to clarify the finding
was normal. Solitary hypoechoic areas in the liver at the porta hepatis
fitting the above criteria should be interpreted cautiously. When there is
no clinical suspicion of focal liver disease, these areas may be dismissed
as insignificant or may be followed. If focal liver disease is suspected,
the liver should be assessed by an additional method of examination.
