Sonographic and color Doppler findings of rupture of liver tumors

Abdom Imaging. 1998 Nov-Dec;23(6):587-91. doi: 10.1007/s002619900409.

Abstract

We present six cases of ruptured liver tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma, five cases; liver metastasis, one case) in which gray-scale sonography revealed an ascites containing constantly moving dense high-echo spots, leading to a high suspicion of acutely developing hemoperitoneum. Color Doppler sonography helped in detecting the rupture site by demonstrating a high-velocity jet flow from it. Although four of six patients were dead within 3 months, detection of the rupture site by color Doppler sonography made the initial transarterial embolization therapy easy and prompt.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / diagnostic imaging
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color

Substances

  • Contrast Media