Hepatic pseudolesion around the falciform ligament: prevalence on CT examination.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatic pseudolesions seen around the falciform ligament on computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen obtained with intravenous administration of contrast material.

Methods: We first retrospectively reviewed the CT scans of six patients in whom hepatic pseudolesions were seen around the falciform ligament. The abdominal CT scans of 587 patients were then prospectively analyzed for the presence of hepatic pseudolesions around the falciform ligament to determine the prevalence of this finding on CT examinations.

Results: CT scans in the first six patients showed two types of hepatic pseudolesion around the falciform ligament. In three patients, hepatic pseudolesions were focal spared areas in fatty liver. In three patients, hepatic pseudolesions were developed in nonfatty liver. Prospectively, hepatic pseudolesions were found on five of 587 CT examinations (prevalence = 1%). A single hepatic pseudolesion was found in segment 4 on two examinations. Two hepatic pseudolesions (one in segment 4 and one in segment 3) were found together on three CT examinations.

Conclusion: Hepatic pseudolesions around the falciform ligament are seldom seen on CT scan. However, recognition of these pseudolesions is crucial because they may be interpreted as true tumors.