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

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.