Four resected specimens of hepatic angiomyolipoma in which uptake of Sonazoid was observed in the postvascular phase of Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasonography were analyzed. Macrophage localization in the tumor was revealed pathologically by immunohistochemical staining for CD68. CD68-positive cells were observed in the tumor in all cases. The density of CD68-positive cells was 100/mm², and the ratio of CD68-positive cell density in the tumor to that in the surrounding parenchyma was 32-171%. These results suggested that the uptake of the contrast agent Sonazoid was related to the density of CD68-positive cells.

We performed waveform analysis of the efferent signal detected within early hepatocellular carcinomas and borderline lesions, in which portal flow was demonstrated. Continuity of this flow with the surrounding vessels was also analyzed. Nine nodules in 7 patients with early hepatocellular carcinomas and borderline lesions were included in this study. Tumor diameter ranged from 1.2 to 3.5 cm; average, 2.1 cm. Waveform of the efferent flow signal from within these nodules was continuous in 5 nodules and biphasic venous in 4 nodules. Outside the nodules, the waveform of the efferent flow signal was that of a biphasic venous wave. All efferent signals were confirmed to continue in the hepatic vein. These findings thus suggest that the draining vessel in early hepatocellular carcinomas and their borderline lesions is the hepatic vein.

Two arterial branches can be demonstrated along a portal branch as a result of a more-proximal bifurcation of the hepatic artery than of the portal vein.

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