Imaging of hepatic tumors in children and adolescents

Abstract

Background: Pediatric liver tumors are relatively rare, but thorough knowledge of their imaging features is still important. Objectives: Frequency and imaging features of benign and malignant liver masses during childhood and adolescence. Materials and methods: Discussion of relevant original articles, review manuscripts and expert recommendations concerning imaging of childhood liver tumors. Results: The most common malignant tumors of the liver are hepatoblastoma, which usually occur in younger children, as well as in some regions hepatocellular carcinoma. In contrast to most benign masses, such as focal nodular hyperplasia, simple cysts or fatty liver infiltrations, their imaging morphology is not very characteristic. Radiologically, sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for assessment. Both methods benefit from intravenous contrast agent administration. Conclusions: Childhood liver tumors show a broad spectrum of morphological manifestations. Some entities can be characterized using standard imaging, some require multimodal imaging or histological assessment. In addition to morphological imaging criteria, age and the medical history as well as laboratory data play an important role in establishing the correct diagnosis.