The Role of Color Doppler in Differentiation of Liver Masses

To evaluate the role of color Doppler ultrasound in differentiation between benign and malignant liver masses. We analyzed 74 hepatomas, 11 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 28 metastases,21 hemangiomas, and 10 abscesses. These masses were classified according to their size : group I is larger than 3cm in diameter and group II is equal to or smaller than 3 cm. We obtained arterial flow signal from peripheral and central portion of the mass, and compared peak systolic velocity (PSV) and pulsatile index (PI). If there were variable flow patterns within same mass, we took the value of highest PSV and lowest PI. In the case of multiple masses, values of the largest one were selected. Detection rate of arterial flow signal was compared. Detection rate of arterial flow signal is significantly higher in malignant tumors in both group I and II. However, there was no difference between malignant masses. PSV is significantly higher in malignant tumors than benign, and marginal PSV of hepatoma in group I is higher than other malignant tumors. In group I, marginal PI of hemangioma is lower than that of hepatoma. Others show no statistically significant difference between benign and malignant masses, and between malignant masses. Detection of high velocity arterial flow in peripheral and central portion of the mass could be valuable in differentiation between benign and malignant tumor,especially in small masses less than 3 cm. However, Doppler examination does not aid in the differential diagnosis of malignant tumors