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Date Published: 14/07/2026
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.55046/vjrnm.62.1558.2026
Issue
No. 62 (2026)
Section
Scientific research
How to Cite
Đoàn, T. M. P., Le, V. K., & Vu , D. L. (2026). Imaging Features of Hepatic Angiomyolipoma on Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Study of 16 Patients. Vietnamese Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 62, 45-52. https://doi.org/10.55046/vjrnm.62.1558.2026

Imaging Features of Hepatic Angiomyolipoma on Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Retrospective Study of 16 Patients

Thị Minh Phương Đoàn1, , Le Van Khang2, Vu Dang Luu3
1 Trường Đại học Y Hà Nội
2 Bach Mai Hospital
3 Hanoi Medical University

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of Hepatic Angiomyolipoma (HAML).


Materials and Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted on 16 patients with pathologically confirmed HAML at Bach Mai Hospital from January 2020 to January 2026. Radiographic features evaluated included: fat content, enhancement patterns, feeding arteries, early draining veins, and the presence of a delayed-phase enhancing capsule.


Results: The cohort consisted of 16 patients (75% female, 25% male) with a mean age of 46.3 years. Imaging revealed a mean tumor size of 47.6 mm, with most lesions being well-circumscribed (94%). Macroscopic fat was detected in 11/16 cases (69%). Regarding enhancement characteristics, 81% of tumors showed heterogeneous enhancement; notably, 7 cases (44%) exhibited washout in the portal venous phase. The "early draining vein" sign was observed in 9 cases (56%), while the "twisted-vessel sign" was present in 8 cases (50%). Significant diffusion restriction (marked hyperintensity on DWI and low ADC signal) occurred in only 2 cases (17%). Remarkably, 15/16 cases (94%) showed no evidence of a delayed-phase enhancing capsule.


Conclusions: Hepatic Angiomyolipoma (HAML) is a benign mesenchymal tumor; however, radiologic diagnosis remains challenging and highly dependent on tumor composition. While the presence of macroscopic fat is the most critical diagnostic hallmark, in fat-depleted cases that mimic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) due to washout, the presence of early draining veins, the twisted-vessel sign, and the absence of a delayed-phase capsule are key indicators suggesting HAML.

Keywords

Hepatic Angiomyolipoma

Article Details

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