Cavernous transformation of the portal vein in blood pool scintigraphy.

Abstract

A patient suspected of having two hepatic hemangiomas was referred to the department of nuclear medicine for verification of the diagnosis. A blood pool scintigraphy confirmed the presence of one of the hemangiomas. In addition, it revealed a region of increased activity, that corresponded with the cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV), a rare consequence of portal vein thrombosis, diagnosed in the previous imaging studies. Due to the increased blood pool, this focal lesion imitated the image of a hemangioma. This publication aims to emphasize the importance of a carefully conducted patient interview and evaluation of other imaging studies to avoid misdiagnosis.