**2.1.2 Diagnostic evaluation**

Hemangiomas demonstrate a typical pattern of enhancement on triple phase contrast enhanced CT. The lesion appears as a well circumscribed hypodense mass with peripheral enhancement in the arterial phase that will progress toward the center of the lesion. This pattern is typically known as centripetal enhancement. Sensitivity of triple phase CT has been reported from 75-85% with specificity of 75-100%(Trotter, JF & Everson, GT 2001). Even better results have been reported with the use of magnetic resonance imaging, with reported sensitivity and specificity of up to 95% and 100%, respectively (Semelka, RC et al 2001). Because of the highly vascular nature of these tumors, percutaneous biopsy of suspected hemangiomas is contraindicated.
