Prevalence and characteristics of hepatic hemangiomas assessed by ultrasound – a single center experience

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Liver hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the liver, with estimated prevalence of 2.5–4%. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hepatic hemangioma in one primary care center in Serbia.

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study, which included patients examined in the Dr Simo Milošević Primary Care Center in Belgrade, Serbia (December 2017 – March 2020). Patients with suspected atypical changes, malignancies, viral hepatitis infections, and liver cirrhosis were excluded from the study.

Results A total of 567 patients were included in this study (men 42.5%). In 27 patients (4.76%) a diagnosis of hemangioma was made (male:female ratio: 1.1:1). The total number of hemangiomas detected was 48. Hemangiomas were most commonly found in the right liver lobe (32/48, 66.7%). In this study, hemangiomas were most commonly localized in the fourth liver segment (11/48, 22.9%). The mean diameter of the hemangioma was 13.8 mm. In the half of patients diagnosed with hemangioma, more than one hemangioma was detected (13/27, 48.1%).

Conclusion Hemangiomas of the liver are commonly multiple. No sex difference in hemangioma prevalence was noted. The right liver lobe is the most common hemangioma localization in this study cohort.

Keywords: liver hemangioma; ultrasonography; frequency