Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in 86 patients

BACKGROUND: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), the second most common benign hepatic tumor after hemangioma, is characterized by a stellate central scar and hyperplastic nodules. Although some large FNH may be associated with significant symptoms, more frequently they are discovered incidentally on physical examination or the work-up of unrelated symptoms. Since its nature and pathogenesis are still controversial, accurate diagnosis of FNH based on clinical presentation and radiographic studies is difficult. The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnosis and treatment of FNH. METHODS: Eighty-six FNH patients confirmed pathologically were treated at the Liver Cancer Institute in our hospital from 1996 to 2006. Their clinical manifestions, imaging presentation, pathological findings, and surgical results were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 86 patients with 99 foci, 54 were male and 32 female, with a mean age of 37 years. Eighty patients had a single solitary focus and 6 had multiple foci. Tumor diameter was less than 5 cm in 69 patients, 5-10 cm in 15, and more than 10 cm in 2. The overall rate of correct preoperative diagnosis was 59.3% (51/86) including 32.9% (26/79) by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), 60.3% (35/58) by CT, and 77.4% (24/31) by MRI. All the 86 patients underwent resection with good curative effect. CONCLUSIONS: CT and MRI are important diagnostic methods for FNH but it is difficult to make a definite preoperative diagnosis for partial classical and all non-classical FNH patients. We suggest that patients with clinical symptoms or with indefinite diagnosis should accept surgical removal.

Effect of fatty liver background on contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic appearance of focal nodular hyperplasia

BACKGROUND: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is increasingly diagnosed as a result of the advances in imaging studies such as contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, FNH with atypical features can be difficult to differentiate from other benign and malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fatty liver background on the CEUS characteristics of FNH. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with FNH were divided into two groups: group A included 14 patients with fatty liver and group B included 12 patients with normal liver background. Conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) were conducted and followed by real-time dual-frame CEUS. RESULTS: On two-dimensional ultrasonography, hypoechoic nodules were present in most of the patients in group A (12/14) and hyperechoic nodules in most of those in group B (7/12). The difference in the nodule echotextures between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Nodules with centrifugal blood flow signals on CDFI were found in 6 of the 14 patients in group A and 5 of the 12 in group B (P>0.05). On CEUS, nodules with a central spoked-wheel-like enhancement pattern in the early arterial phase were observed in 8 patients in group A and those with an eccentric enhancement pattern in the remaining 6 patients. In this group, 3 patients had hypoechoic nodules in the delayed phase. Eleven of the 14 patients in this group were diagnosed accurately with CEUS. In group B, nodules with a rapid central spoked-wheel-like enhancement pattern in the early arterial phase were found in 8 patients by CEUS and those with rapid an eccentric enhancement pattern in 4. The nodules were found to be continuously enhanced in the delayed phase. All of the patients in group B were accurately diagnosed with CEUS. CONCLUSIONS: A FNH nodule on a background of fatty liver may present a hypoechoic pattern on two-dimensional ultrasonography and a hypoechoic wash-out pattern in the delayed phase on CEUS. At this time, punch biopsy is needed for the diagnosis or differential diagnosis of FNH.

Nodular liver lesions involving multiple myeloma: A case report and literature review

We report a case of a 62-year old woman admitted to our hospital for multiple nodular metastatic liver lesions found by ultrasonography in a regular medical examination. Routine laboratory tests were normal. PET-CT showed multiple bone lesions and nodular liver lesions. Liver biopsy revealed nodular infiltration of multiple myeloma with positive staining of kappa light chain. Further investigation of bone marrow aspiration, immunofixation and immunoelectrophoresis of serum protein, urine test for Bence-Jones protein, β2-microglobulin in serum and urine confirmed the diagnosis. The patient also coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). With six cycles of chemotherapy with VAD schedule, she achieved complete remission. In this report, a literature review of liver lesions involving multiple myeloma is also provided.

Plane and weighted tri-phase helical CT findings in the diagnosis of liver focal nodular hyperplasia

Objective: To analyze the pre- and post-contrast CT findings of liver focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) so as to improve their diagnostic accuracy. Methods: Pre- and post-contrast tri-phase (arterial, portal venous and delayed) scans were performed in 21 patients with FNH proved surgically and patholo- gically. Transcatheter arterial angiography was per- formed in 2 patients. Results: Pre-contrast scans showed hypodensity in 16 patients, isodensity in 5, and punctate, streak and radial scars in 12. Except central scar, all lesions were markedly and homogeneously enhanced in the arterial phase. Nine of the 21 patients showed dilated and tortuous arteries in the central and peripheral areas of the focus. In the portal venous phase, focal density was decreased, though still higher or slightly higher in FNH than in parenchyma. In the delayed phase, the lesions showed isodensity or slight hypo- density. Enhanced capsules were seen in 3 patients. Dilated arteries and drainage veins were seen on an- giographic images. Conclusion: The characteristic manifestations of FNH on multiphasic helical CT scan are of great sig- nificance in diagnosing FNH and choosing viable therapy.

Human immunodeficiency virus and nodular regenerative hyperplasia of liver: A systematic review

AIM: To investigate the diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural history, and management of nodular regenerative hyperplasia(NRH) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV). METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the medical literature regarding NRH in patients with HIV. Inclusion criteria include reports with biopsy proven NRH. We studied the clinical features of NRH, in particular, related to its presenting manifestation and laboratory values. Combinations of the following keywords were implemented: "nodular regenerative hyperplasia", "human immunodeficiency virus", "noncirrhotic portal hypertension", "idiopathic portal hypertension", "cryptogenic liver disease", "highly active antiretroviral therapy" and "didanosine". The bibliographies of these studies were subsequently searched for any additional relevant publications.RESULTS: The clinical presentation of patients with NRH varies from patients being completely asymptomatic to the development of portal hypertension – namely esophageal variceal bleeding and ascites. Liver associated enzymes are generally normal and synthetic function well preserved. There is a strong association between the occurrence of NRH and the use of antiviral therapies such as didanosine. The management of NRH revolves around treating the manifestations of portal hypertension. The prognosis of NRH is generally good since liver function is preserved. A high index of suspicion is required to make a identify NRH. CONCLUSION: The appropriate management of HIVinfected persons with suspected NRH is yet to be outlined. However, NRH is a clinically subtle condition that is difficult to diagnose, and it is important to be able to manage it according to the best available evidence.

Atypical focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver

BACKGROUND:Focal nodular hyperplasia,a benign hepatic tumor,is usually asymptomatic.However,rarely the entity can cause symptoms,mandating intervention. METHOD:We present a case of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver,which caused a considerable diagnostic dilemma due to its atypical presentation. RESULTS:A 29-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of a progressively increasing mass in the right upper quadrant which was associated with pain and emesis. Examination showed a firm,mobile mass palpable below the right subcostal margin.A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed an exophytic mass arising from hepatic segments III and IVb.Trucut biopsy of the hepatic mass was equivocal.Angiography showed a vascular tumor that was supplied by a tortuous branch of the proper hepatic artery. Surgical intervention for removal of the mass was undertaken. Intra-operatively,two large discrete tumors were found and completely resected.Histopathological examination showed features consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia. CONCLUSION:This description of an unusual case of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver highlights the point that the diagnosis of otherwise benign hepatic tumors may be difficult despite extensive work-up in some cases.

Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of Liver Mimicking Cirrhosis: a Case Report

A 34-year-old man with no history of any abdominal pain or fatigue was admitted to our hospital in June 2008 due to the cirrhosis found incidentally during a physical examination. Laboratory examination, electrocardiograph, abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were carried out during his hospitalization. However, according to the results of the above measures, the diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia of the liver (NRHL) could not be made. The result of electrocardiograph showed there was no sinus bradycardia. The abdominal ultrasonography showed evidence of hepatosplenomegaly, and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple non-enhancing hepatic nodules. Histologic conifrmation was available by means of liver biopsy and the deifnitive diagnosis of NRHL was conifrmed histologically by liver biopsy. NRHL always presents with signs of portal hypertension with little evidence of obvious liver disease, NRHL may mimick the cirrhosis of liver and be easily confused with cirrhosis of the liver nodules, so liver biopsy should be recommended for correct diagnosis. The clinical, radiological and pathologic features of this case with NRHL was reported in order to familiarize the physicians with its clinical manifestations.

肝脏局灶性结节增生13例磁共振误诊分析及病理对照

目的 探讨肝脏局灶性结节增生(FNH)的磁共振成像(MRI)可能误诊原因并进行病理对照分析,以加深认识。方法 回顾性分析2015年1月至2023年1月期间浙江省丽水中心医院经病理证实的21例FNH患者资料,2名评估者在不知晓病理结果的情况下共同评估病灶的MRI征象(包括病灶一般情况、平扫信号、增强扫描强化表现及周围组织伴随征象)并做出诊断,对评估结论达成一致意见;以病理结果为金标准,对误诊病例进行病理对照及误诊原因分析。结果 21例肝脏FNH中的13例患者共13个病灶被误诊,其中被误诊为肝细胞癌4例,肿块型肝内胆管细胞癌1例,转移瘤1例,孤立性纤维瘤3例,上皮样血管平滑肌脂肪瘤2例,肝细胞腺瘤2例。病理对照分析:2例MRI上见“假包膜征”的病灶在镜下无明显假包膜;而3例镜下存在假包膜的病灶却未能识别出MRI“假包膜征”。3例MRI上见“局部坏死”,但本组13例镜下均无局部缺血坏死表现。2例MRI上被评估为存在“脂肪变性征”的病灶在镜下均存在较明显的脂肪细胞积聚;MRI上无“脂肪变性征”者在镜下也无明显脂肪变性。11例病灶在镜下可见瘢痕,但在MRI中13例病灶均未能识别“延迟强化瘢痕”。结论 肝脏FNH的误诊原因主要有:中央瘢痕缺失或瘢痕的形态/信号/强化不典型、病灶出现肝细胞癌征象“脂肪变性”、误判存在肝细胞癌征象“假包膜征”;此外,病灶外生性生长与肝外其他脏器紧贴、“评估者受临床病史的影响”可能也会导致误诊。

钆塞酸二钠增强MRI在肝局灶性结节增生及肝细胞癌鉴别诊断中的价值

目的探讨钆塞酸二钠(Gd-EOB-DTPA)增强MRI对肝局灶性结节增生(FNH)及肝细胞癌(HCC)的鉴别诊断价值。方法回顾性分析35例肝FNH患者(肝FNH组)及54例HCC患者(HCC组)的临床资料,比较两组Gd-EOB-DTPA增强MRI的影像学资料,采用多因素Logistic回归模型筛选与肝FNH相关的因素。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析Gd-EOB-DTPA增强MRI的影像特征单独鉴别诊断肝FNH和HCC的价值。结果肝FNH组中心瘢痕、扩散加权成像低信号、动态强化方式(快进慢出)、肝胆期中心低或高信号伴外周高信号的比例及表观弥散系数(ADC)值高于HCC组(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,动态强化方式(快进慢出)、肝胆期中心低或高信号伴外周高信号、ADC值升高与肝FNH有关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,动态强化方式(快进慢出)、肝胆期中心低或高信号伴外周高信号、ADC值鉴别诊断肝FNH和HCC的曲线下面积分别为0.788、0.864、0.810,三者鉴别诊断效能相当。结论Gd-EOB-DTPA增强MRI的动态强化方式(快进慢出)、肝胆期中心低或高信号伴外周高信号及ADC值可有效鉴别肝FNH和HCC。

多层螺旋CT检查在鉴别诊断原发性肝癌与肝脏局灶性结节增生中的应用价值

目的 探讨多层螺旋CT(MSCT)检查在鉴别诊断原发性肝癌与肝脏局灶性结节增生(FNH)中的应用价值。方法 选取我院2019年1月至2022年12月收治的肝脏占位性病变患者83例,均开展MSCT检查,统计原发性肝癌、FNH检出情况,并以肝穿刺活检为金标准,分析MSCT鉴别诊断原发性肝癌与FNH的诊断效能;采用Kappa检验验证MSCT鉴别诊断与肝穿刺活检的一致性。结果 83例肝脏占位性病变患者,经肝穿刺活检证实41例为原发性肝癌,42例为FNH;经MSCT检出原发性肝癌40例,FNH 43例,原发性肝癌检出率为97.56%;MSCT鉴别诊断原发性肝癌与FNH的灵敏度为95.12%、特异度为97.62%、准确度为96.39%、阳性预测值为97.50%、阴性预测值为95.35%;Kappa检验显示,MSCT鉴别诊断与肝穿刺活检的Kappa值为0.928,一致性极高。结论 MSCT检测在鉴别诊断原发性肝癌与FNH中价值高,可提高诊断准确性,便于早期开展针对性治疗,以更好改善患者预后。

肝脏局灶性结节增生动态增强MRI征象与病灶大小的关系

目的 分析肝脏局灶性结节增生(focal nodular hyperplasia,FN H)动态增强MRI征象,探讨轮辐征与病灶大小的关系。方法 回顾分析经手术及病理证实的260例306枚肝脏局灶性结节增生动态增强MRI图像,所有病灶根据测量的最大径分为≤2cm组、2~5cm组和>5cm三组,分析轮辐征在不同大小组别中的差异。结果 306枚FNH病变的平均大小为4.45±2.56cm,检出癜痕170例,假包膜62例,供血动脉19例,具有轮辐征175例,FNH轮辐征、瘢痕、假包膜及供血动脉的检出,在不同大小分组中表现差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论 动态增强MRI对轮辐征的检出取决于病灶大小,轮辐征对于较大FNH (>5.0cm)的诊断更有意义。

Differential diagnosis and management of liver tumors in infants

During the first year of life, most of the liver neoplasms are benign in origin, but some of these histologically benign lesions may be challenging in their management. Although most hepatic hemangiomas can be safely observed until involution is documented, some patients will need treatment due to progressive hepatomegaly, hypothyroidism and/or cardiac failure. Large mesenchymal hamartomas may require extensive hepatic resection and an appropriate surgical plan is critical to obtain good results. For malignant neoplasms such as hepatoblastoma, complete surgical resection is the mainstay of curative therapy. The decision about whether to perform an upfront or delayed resection of a primary liver malignant tumor is based on many considerations, including the ease of resection, surgical expertise, tumor histology and stage, and the likely chemosensitivity of the tumor. This article reviews the initial management of the more common hepatic tumors of infancy, focusing on the differential diagnosis and treatment options.

Characterization of focal liver masses using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography

AIM:To investigate the diagnostic performance of acoustic radiation force impulse(ARFI) elastography for characterizing focal liver mass by quantifying their stiffness.METHODS:This prospective study included 62 patients with a focal liver mass that was well visualized on conventional ultrasonography performed in our institution from February 2011 to November 2011.Among them,12 patients were excluded for ARFI measurement failure due to a lesion that was smaller than the region of the interest and at an inaccessible location(deeper than 8 cm)(n = 7) or poor compliance to hold their breath as required(n = 5).Finally,50 patients with valid ARFI measurements were enrolled.If a patient had multiple liver masses,only one mass of interest was chosen.The masses were diagnosed by histological examination or clinical diagnostic criteria.During ultrasonographic evaluation,stiffness,expressed as velocity,was checked 10 times per focal liver mass and the surrounding liver parenchyma.RESULTS:After further excluding three masses that were non-diagnostic on biopsy,a total of 47 focal mass lesions were tested,including 39(83.0%) malignant masses [24 hepatocellular carcinomas(HCC),seven cholangiocellular carcinomas(CCC),and eight liver metastases] and eight(17.0%) benign masses(five hemangiomas and three focal nodular hyperplasias,FNH).Thirty-seven(74.0%) masses were confirmed by histological examination.The mean velocity was 2.48 m/s in HCCs,1.65 m/s in CCCs,2.35 m/s in metastases,1.83 m/s in hemangiomas,and 0.97 m/s in FNHs.Although considerable overlap was still noted between malignant and benign masses,significant differences in ARFI values were observed between malignant and benign masses(mean 2.31 m/s vs 1.51 m/s,P = 0.047),as well as between HCCs and benign masses(mean 2.48 m/s vs 1.51 m/s,P = 0.006).The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves(AUROC) for discriminating the malignant masses from benign masses was 0.724(95%CI,0.566-0.883,P = 0.048),and the AUROC for discriminating HCCs from benign masses was 0.813(95%CI,0.649-0.976,P = 0.008).To maximize the sum of sensitivity and specificity,an ARFI value of 1.82 m/s was selected as the cutoff value to differentiate malignant from benign liver masses.Furthermore,the cutoff value for distinguishing HCCs from benign masses was also determined to be 1.82 m/s.The diagnostic performance of the sum of the ARFI values for focal liver masses and the surrounding liver parenchyma to differentiate liver masses improved(AUROC = 0.853;95%CI,0.745-0.960;P = 0.002 in malignant liver masses vs benign ones and AUROC = 0.948;95%CI,0.896-0.992,P < 0.001 in HCCs vs benign masses).CONCLUSION:ARFI elastography provides additional information for the differential diagnosis of liver masses.However,our results should be interpreted in clinical context,because considerable overlap in ARFI values existed among liver masses.

Pseudolymphoma (reactive lymphoid hyperplasia) of the liver:A clinical challenge

Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia(RLH), also known as pseudolymphoma or nodular lymphoid lesion of the liver is an extremely rare condition, and only 51 hepatic RLH cases have been described in the literature since the first case was described in 1981. The majority of these cases were asymptomatic and incidentally found through radiological imaging. The precise etiology of hepatic RLH is still unknown, but relative high prevalence of autoimmune disorder in these cases suggests an immune-based liver disorder. Imaging features of hepatic RLH often suggest malignant lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. In this report, we discuss two cases of hepatic RLH in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. We also present pathologic and magnetic resonance imaging findings, including one case utilizing a hepatocellular contrast agent, Eovist. Definitive diagnosis of hepatic RLH often requires surgical excision.

Hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia in children:Imaging features on multi-slice computed tomography

AIM:To retrospectively analyze the imaging features of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia(FNH) in children on dynamic contrast-enhanced multi-slice computed tomography(MSCT) and computed tomography angiography(CTA) images.METHODS:From September 1999 to April 2012,a total of 218 cases of hepatic FNH were confirmed by either surgical resection or biopsy in the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and the Cancer center of Sun Yat-sen University,including 12 cases(5.5%) of FNH in children(age ≤ 18 years old).All the 12 pediatric patients underwent MSCT.We retrospectively analyzed the imaging features of FNH lesions,including the number,location,size,margin,density of FNH demonstrated on pre-contrast and contrastenhanced computed tomography(CT) scanning,central scar,fibrous septa,pseudocapsule,the morphology of the feeding arteries and the presence of draining vessels(portal vein or hepatic vein).RESULTS:All the 12 pediatric cases of FNH had solitary lesion.The maximum diameter of the lesions was 4.0-12.9 cm,with an average diameter of 5.5 ± 2.5 cm.The majority of the FNH lesions(10/12,83.3%) had well-defined margins.Central scar(10/12,83.3%) and fibrous septa(11/12,91.7%) were commonly found in children with FNH.Central scar was either isodense(n = 7) or hypodense(n = 3) on pre-contrast CT images and showed progressive enhancement in 8 cases in the equilibrium phase.Fibrous septa were linear hypodense areas in the arterial phase and isodense in the portal and equilibrium phases.Pseudocapsule was very rare(1/12,8.3%) in pediatric FNH.With the exception of central scars and fibrous septa within the lesions,all 12 cases of pediatric FNH were homogenously enhanced on the contrast-enhanced CT images,significantly hyperdense in the arterial phase(12/12,100.0%),and isodense in the portal venous phase(7/12,58.3%) and equilibrium phase(11/12,91.7%).Central feeding arteries inside the tumors were observed on CTA images for all 12 cases of FNH,whereas no neovascularization of malignant tumors was noted.In 9 cases(75.0%),there was a spoke-wheel shaped centrifugal blood supply inside the tumors.The draining hepatic vein was detected in 8 cases of pediatric FNH.However,the draining vessels in the other 4 cases could not be detected.No associated hepatic adenoma or hemangioma was observed in the livers of the 12 pediatric cases.CONCLUSION:The characteristic imaging appearances of MSCT and CTA may reflect the pathological and hemodynamic features of pediatric FNH.Dynamic multi-phase MSCT and CTA imaging is an effective method for diagnosing FNH in children.

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma arising within large focal nodular hyperplasia with review of the literature

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a relatively rare benign hepatic tumor, usually presenting as a solitary lesion; however, multiple localizations have also been described. The association of FNH with other hepatic lesions, such as adenomas and haemangiomas has been reported by various authors. We herein report a case of a hepatocellular carcinoma arising within a large focal nodular hyperplasia, in a young female patient.

Research on focal nodular hyperplasia with MSCT and postprocessing

AIM:To investigate and evaluate the pathological features and diagnostic value of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) with multi-section spiral computed tomography (MSCT) and postprocessing.METHODS: A total of 25 patients with FNH who had undergone MSCT and postprocessing were included in the investigation. All patients had been pathologically or clinically confi rmed with FNH. A number of 75 cases of hepatic carcinomas, hemangiomas and adenomas were randomly selected at a same period for a comparative study.RESULTS: There was a single focus in 22 cases and multiple foci in 3 cases. On the plain scan, 17 lesions showed hypodensity, 7 isodensity and 4 hyperdensity (the case with fatty liver). With contrast, 28 lesions were enhanced evenly or in the nodules in the arterial phase; 13 lesions still showed hyperdensity, 11 lesions isodensity and 4 lesions hypodensity in the parenchymatous phase; in the delayed phase only 5 lesions showed hyperdensity but 9 lesions showed isodensity or slight hypodensity and 14 lesions showed hypodensity. Twelve lesions of 28 had central asteroid scars. Thickened feeding arteries in postprocessing were seen in 24 lesions, and were integrated into the parenchymatous lesions with a gradual and smooth course. On the contrary, there were no artery penetrated into the lesion found in any of comparative hepatic tumors.CONCLUSION: Doctors could make a correct diagnosis and differentiation of FNH on evaluation of the characteristic appearance on MSCT with postprocessing.

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia related portal hypertension in a patient with hypogammaglobulinaemia

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of liver is a relatively rare liver disorder, but a frequent cause of noncirrhotic portal hypertension. We present a lady with common variable immune deficiency who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and deranged liver function tests but preserved synthetic function. Upper gastrointestinal endoscope showed bleeding gastric varices and non-bleeding oesophageal varices. Although her oesophageal varices were eradicated by repeated endoscopic band ligation, the gastric varices failed to resolve after repeated endoscopic histocryl injection and she eventually needed transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. Liver biopsy showed NRH. We review the association of hypogammaglobinaemia and NRH and discuss the appropriate management of portal hypertension in NRH.

Pseudocirrhosis in a pancreatic cancer patient with liver metastases: A case report of complete resolution of pseudocirrhosis with an early recognition and management

We report a case of pseudocirrhosis arising in the setting of regression of liver metastases from pancreatic cancer. A 55-year-old asymptomatic woman presented to our clinic with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic cancer with extensive liver metastases. She underwent systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX). After 8 cycles of therapy, she had a remarkable response to the therapy evidenced by decline of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA19 by > 50% and nearly complete resolution of hepatic metastases in computed tomography (CT) scan. Shortly after, she developed increasing bilateral ankle edema and ascites, associated with dyspnea, progressive weight gain, and declining performance status. Gemcitabine and oxaliplatin were discontinued as other causes of her symptoms such as congestive heart disease or venous thrombosis were ruled out. CT scan 6 mo after the initiation of GEMOX revealed worsening ascites with a stable pancreatic mass. However, it also revealed a lobular hepatic contour, segmental atrophy, and capsular retraction mimicking the appearance of cirrhosis. She was managed with aggressive diuresis and albumin infusions which eventually resulted in a resolution of the above- mentioned symptoms as well as complete resolution of pseudocirrhotic appearance of the liver and ascites in CT scan. This case demonstrates that pancreatic cancer patients can develop pseudocirrhosis. Clinicians and radiologist should be well aware of this entity asearly recognition and management can lead to a near complete recovery of liver function and much improved quality of life as illustrated in this case.

Clonality and allelotype analyses of focal nodular hyperplasia compared with hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma

AIM: To identify clonality and genetic alterations in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and the nodules derived from it. METHODS: Twelve FNH lesions were examined. Twelve hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) and 22 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) were used as references. Nodules of different types were identified and isolated from FNH by microdissection. An X-chromosome inactivation assay was employed to describe their clonality status. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was detected, using 57 markers, for genetic alterations.RESULTS: Nodules of altered hepatocytes (NAH), the putative precursors of HCA and HCC, were found in all the FNH lesions. Polyclonality was revealed in 10 FNH lesions from female patients, and LOH was not detected in any of the six FNH lesions examined, the results apparently showing their polyclonal nature. In contrast, monoclonality was demonstrated in all the eight HCAs and in four of the HCCs from females, and allelic imbalances were found in the HCAs (9/9) and HCCs (15/18), with chromosomal arms 11p, 13q and 17p affected in the former, and 6q, 8p, 11p, 16q and 17p affected in the latter lesions in high frequencies (≥ 30%). Monoclonality was revealed in 21 (40%) of the 52 microdissected NAH, but was not found in any of the f ive ordinary nodules. LOH was found in all of the 13 NAH tested, being highly frequent at six loci on 8p, 11p, 13q and 17p. CONCLUSION: FNH, as a whole, is polyclonal, but some of the NAH lesions derived from it are already neoplastic and harbor similar allelic imbalances as HCAs.