What is the significance of a 17mm lesion in liver segment 4/8 with homogeneous contrast uptake and central contrast retention, and a 11mm thrombus in the left ovarian vein with varicose dilated veins in the pelvis, as seen on a CT scan of the thorax and abdomen with intravenous (IV) contrast?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 21, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Focal liver lesion (possibly a hepatocellular adenoma or a hemangioma) given the 17 mm process in the liver with homogeneous contrast uptake in the arterial phase and some washout in the venous phase, but with contrast retention centrally. This warrants further evaluation for possible liver tumor.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) due to the presence of varicose veins in the pelvis related to the uterus, which could explain symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain.
    • Liver cyst (given the small, punctate cyst in the posterior right hemiliver, though this is likely benign).
  • Do Not Miss
    • Liver malignancy (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma): Although the report mentions that malignancy cannot be excluded, the characteristics of the lesion (e.g., size, contrast enhancement pattern) are more suggestive of a benign process. However, given the potential for malignancy, this diagnosis must be considered and ruled out.
    • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or other thromboembolic events: The presence of an 11mm long thrombus in the left ovarian vein with collateral circulation and varicose dilatation of veins in the pelvis raises the concern for thromboembolic disease, although the primary concern here seems to be pelvic congestion syndrome.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Liver metastasis: Although less likely given the solitary nature of the liver lesion and its characteristics, metastatic disease to the liver from another primary site is a possibility, especially if there's an unknown primary malignancy.
    • Vascular malformations or other rare vascular conditions: The varicose veins and thrombus in the ovarian vein could potentially be part of a more complex vascular malformation or a rare condition affecting the venous system.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.