Differentiation of Hepatic Sclerosed Hemangiomas From Cavernous Hemangiomas Based on Gadoxetic Acid-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of a hepatic sclerosed hemangioma by comparing them with those of a cavernous hemangioma using magnetic resonance imaging with gadoxetic acid enhancement. Methods Nine patients with hepatic sclerosed hemangiomas and 36 patients with cavernous hemangiomas (control group) who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging were included. Qualitative values (imaging findings and enhancement pattern [typical vs atypical enhancement]) and quantitative values (apparent diffusion coefficient) were evaluated. Results Patients with sclerosed hemangiomas showed significantly more irregular tumor margin on hepatobiliary phase images, peritumoral arterial enhancement, and a lower proportion of hyperintensity on heavily T2-weighted images compared with controls (all P values <0.05). In addition, the sclerosed hemangioma group had significantly more frequent atypical enhancement patterns than did the control group (88.9% vs 33.3%; P = 0.006). However, the mean apparent diffusion coefficient value of hemangiomas was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 0.639). Conclusions Gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance images can help in differentiating between hepatic sclerosed hemangiomas and cavernous hemangiomas.