An unusual case of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver is presented. A 31-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for the evaluation of an hepatic mass 10 cm in diameter located in segment 4. Routine examinations including liver function tests were all normal. Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus antibody, alpha-fetoprotein were all negative. Imagining studies could not detect specific findings of FNH such as a central scar structure or a spoke-wheel appearance due to dilated tumor vessels coursing centrally followed by radiating peripheral coursing vessels. Extensive left lobectomy of the liver was performed. Histological examination of the specimen cut into 1-cm-thick slices revealed no central stellate scars. Preoperative diagnosis of FNH with imaging studies was difficult because of the absence of central scars.

This report describes the characteristics for the development of a compound lens that consists of a single pole-piece objective lens and an electrostatic bipotential lens. By applying a relatively small voltage of around 1 kV to the specimen and the bipotential lens, the image quality for low acceleration voltage is improved to a condition better than with just a single pole-piece lens. Even if the wafer is tilted to a large angle, the electric field near the specimen does not become asymmetrical, and there is no occurrence of astigmatic aberration or a reduction of the secondary electron signal. Therefore, 300 mm diameter wafers can be tilted with large angles to observe patterns, particles and defects with high-resolution SEM. Lastly, when the specimen is not tilted, a topographic image of the specimen surface can be obtained by detecting the secondary electron with dual detectors.