The role of radiation therapy in the management of hemangiomas of the liver

[Radiation therapy of hepatic haemangiomas: Review from a case report]

Haemangioma is the most frequent benign hepatic tumour. Haemangioma is generally asymptomatic but it can sometimes cause disabling symptoms depending on its size and location. Surgery and interventional radiology are the cornerstone of the treatment in this situation. Radiation therapy, already used with good efficacy and safety to treat hepatic malignant lesions as hepatocarcinoma and metastases, is a relevant option in case of contraindication to surgery because of multiple or very large lesions. In this context, we report the case of a patient presenting with multiple symptomatic hepatic haemangiomas, successfully treated by radiation therapy in our department. These good results justified a review of the literature to report series of patients treated in this indication and to describe the main treatment regimens used.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided 'three-step' radiofrequency ablation for giant hepatic hemangioma (5-15 cm): a safe and effective new technique

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound-guided 'three-step' radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of giant hepatic hemangioma.Materials and methods: Patients with giant hepatic hemangioma who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided 'three-step' RFA (n = 52) and conventional RFA (n = 54) at our center from June 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The 'three-step' RFA proceeds as follows. Step 1: Ablate the feeding artery of the hemangioma. Step 2: Aspirate blood from the tumor. Step 3: Ablation the lesion. Intraoperative information, postoperative recovery, therapeutic effects, and complications were compared between the two groups.Results: The duration of RFA was significantly shorter (19.2 ± 0.8 min versus 44.5 ± 2.8 min, p < 0.001), the number of punctures was significantly lower (3.2 ± 0.1 versus 4.7 ± 0.3, p = 0.002), and the duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter (9.0 ± 0.5 versus 11.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.013) in the TS-RFA group than in the C-RFA group. The complete ablation rate (86.5% versus 40.7%), the maximum postoperative pain score (2.5 ± 1.3 versus 4.1 ± 2.0) and symptom relief were also significantly better in the TS-RFA group than in the C-RFA group (p < 0.05). No postoperative death occurred in either group. There were no grade III or higher complications in the TS-RFA group, but one patient in the C-RFA group developed the grade III complication of postoperative abdominal bleeding.Conclusions: 'Three-step' RFA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for giant hepatic hemangioma. It is worthy of further promotion and application.

The value of 3D visualization operative planning system in ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for large hepatic hemangiomas: a clinical comparative study

Background

To evaluate the value of a three dimension (3D)visualization operative planning system in ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (US-PMWA) for large hepatic hemangiomas (LHHs).

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with LHHs were divided into 3D and 2D groups. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by contrast-enhanced imaging during follow-up. Hepatic and renal function were examined. The complete ablation, tumor volume shrinkage, and complication rates were analyzed.

Results

The ablation time and energy of the 3D group were lower than those of the 2D group (1152.0 ± 403.9 s vs. 1379.7 ± 375.8 s and 87,407.2.9 ± 50,387.0 J vs. 117,775.8 ± 46,245.6 J, P = 0.031 and 0.021, respectively). The 3D group had a higher complete ablation rate than the 2D group (97.7 ± 2.4% vs. 94.5 ± 3.7%, P < 0.001). The incidence of hemoglobinuria after ablation in the 3D group was lower than that in the 2D group (32.0% vs. 57.6%, P = 0.047). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatinine (Cre) after ablation in the 3D group were lower than those in the 2D group (126.7 ± 56.4 U/L vs. 210.9 ± 96.2 U/L, P < 0.001; 141.0 ± 60.8 U/L vs. 211.4 ± 90.0 U/L, P = 0.001; 57.3 ± 17.6 U/L vs. 80.8 ± 41.9 U/L, P = 0.010; and 66.6 ± 16.6 mmol/L vs. 84.5 ± 39.6 mmol/L, P = 0.037, respectively). There were no significant differences in antenna insertion and the volume reduction rate between the groups. One patient developed acute kidney injury shortly after ablation in the 2D group and recovered after hemodialysis. No other severe complications occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The 3D visualization operative planning system has a relatively high clinical application value in providing scientific, reasonable, quantifiable, and individualized therapy for LHHs by US-PMWA.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for giant hepatic hemangioma

BACKGROUND

Hepatic hemangioma is a common benign liver tumor. The majority of cases are asymptomatic and require no specific treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for symptomatic or enlarging giant hepatic hemangioma (≥10 cm).

METHODS

From December 2013 to June 2016, 12 patients with giant hepatic hemangioma (≥10 cm) underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA, and ablation-related complications were observed. All patients were followed up with magnetic resonance or enhanced CT imaging at one month postoperatively to evaluate efficacy.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 13 giant hepatic hemangiomas (mean: 11.7 ± 1.6 cm) in 12 patients who initially underwent 16 sessions of MWA; three lesions were treated with two sessions of planned ablation. The average ablation time for a single hepatic hemangioma was 39.0 ± 14.4 minutes. Two patients had acute postoperative non-oliguric renal insufficiency without intra-abdominal hemorrhage, liver failure or other complications. Initially, complete ablation was achieved in ten lesions in nine patients (76.9%, 10/13). One patient underwent a second session of MWA at 5 months postoperatively due to fast growing residual tissue; complete necrosis was achieved after treatment. The remaining two cases did not receive any invasive treatment due to small residual volumes. The total complete ablation rate was 84.6% (11/13).

CONCLUSION

Image-guided MWA is a safe, feasible, effective treatment for giant hepatic hemangioma; these findings may open a new avenue for treatment.

Radiofrequency ablation for huge hepatic hemangiomas: How far from being the first-line treatment

Huge hepatic hemangiomas (≥ 10 cm) are often growthful and harmful. Surgical resection is the traditional treatment for this disease, however, this treatment modality is rather invasive and the operative morbidity and mortality are relatively high. To avoid surgical risk, many minimally invasive procedures have been developed to treat hepatic hemangiomas. In the recent decade, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been performed successfully in patients with huge hepatic hemangiomas, showing many advantages over resection, including minimal invasiveness, low complication rate, reduced cost, short hospital stay and increased patient compliance. The treatment strategy for huge hepatic hemangioma is changing from the traditional surgical resection to the minimally invasive treatment with RFA. In the current review, we discuss the present situation and prospect of RFA application in the treatment of huge hepatic hemangiomas.

Efficacy, safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for large hepatic hemangioma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of microwave ablation (MWA) for large (5-10 cm in diameter) hepatic hemangioma.

METHODS

In all, 46 patients with 47 large hepatic hemangiomas were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous MWA. The effect of MWA for all patients was evaluated by enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography within two months after ablation.

RESULTS

A total of 27 male and 19 female patients were enrolled, with an average age of 46 ± 11 years. The average size of hemangiomas was 6.3 ± 1.4 cm (range 5.0-9.6 cm). The initial complete ablation rate was 91.5% (43/47) and the volume of ablated lesions was significantly reduced. The rate of complete necrosis was not associated with the tumor size or location (P = 0.899 and 0.758, respectively). The total complete ablation rate was 95.7% (45/47). Major complications included acute renal dysfunction, hyperbilirubinemia and pleural effusion. No procedure-related death occurred. The average hospitalization stay was 5.7 ± 2.5 days (range 3-17 days). During a follow-up period of 18.2 months (range 4-40 months), one patient developed local tumor progression at the radiofrequency ablation site. Three patients had new hemangiomas in other sites of the liver. At the end of the study all patients were alive and no severe complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Image-guided MWA is an effective and safe treatment for large hepatic hemangiomas, and can potentially be regarded as the first-line therapy.

Laparoscopic vs computerized tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation for large hepatic hemangiomas abutting the diaphragm

AIM: To compare safety and therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopic radiofrequency (RF) ablation vs computed tomography (CT)-guided RF ablation for large hepatic hemangiomas abutting the diaphragm.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our sequential experience of treating 51 large hepatic hemangiomas abutting the diaphragm in 51 patients by CT-guided or laparoscopic RF ablation due to either the presence of symptoms and/or the enlargement of hemangioma. Altogether, 24 hemangiomas were ablated via a CT-guided percutaneous approach (CT-guided ablation group), and 27 hemangiomas were treated via a laparoscopic approach (laparoscopic ablation group).

RESULTS: The mean diameter of the 51 hemangiomas was 9.6 ± 1.8 cm (range, 6.0-12.0 cm). There was no difference in the diameter of hemangiomas between the two groups (P > 0.05). RF ablation was performed successfully in all patients. There was no difference in ablation times between groups (P > 0.05). There were 23 thoracic complications in 17 patients: 15 (62.5%, 15/24) in the CT-guided ablation group and 2 (7.4%, 2/27) in the laparoscopic ablation group (P < 0.05). According to the Dindo-Clavien classification, two complications (pleural effusion and diaphragmatic rupture grade III) were major in two patients. All others were minor (grade I). Both major complications occurred in the CT-guided ablation group. The minor complications were treated successfully with conservative measures, and the two major complications underwent treatment by chest tube drainage and thoracoscopic surgery, respectively. Complete ablation was achieved in 91.7% (22/24) and 96.3% (26/27) in the CT-guided and the laparoscopic ablation groups, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic RF ablation therapy should be used as the first-line treatment option for large hepatic hemangiomas abutting the diaphragm. It avoids thermal injury to the diaphragm and reduces thoracic complications.

ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions

Focal liver lesions (FLL) have been a common reason for consultation faced by gastroenterologists and hepatologists. The increasing and widespread use of imaging studies has led to an increase in detection of incidental FLL. It is important to consider not only malignant liver lesions, but also benign solid and cystic liver lesions such as hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, and hepatic cysts, in the differential diagnosis. In this ACG practice guideline, the authors provide an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of FLL.

Radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of large hepatic hemangiomas: a comparison of multitined and internally cooled electrodes

OBJECTIVE

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an accepted nonsurgical treatment of hepatic hemangiomas, but with an appreciable complication rate. Our study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of RF ablation, administered with either multitined expandable electrodes or with internally cooled cluster electrodes, in the treatment of large (≥10 cm diameter) hepatic hemangiomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our sequential experience of treating 43 large hepatic hemangiomas in 42 patients with RF ablation/multitined expandable electrodes or with RF ablation/internally cooled electrodes. Twenty-two hemangiomas in 21 patients were treated with expandable electrode (multitined electrode group), and 21 hemangiomas in 21 patients were treated with internally cooled cluster electrode (internally cooled electrode group).

RESULTS

Among the 43 large hepatic hemangiomas, 27 subcapsular lesions were treated by a laparoscopic approach, and 16 lesions located in liver parenchyma were treated by a computed tomography-guided percutaneous approach. In the multitined electrode group, RF ablation treatment was performed in all 21 patients in 1 session. In the internally cooled electrode group, 18 patients were treated by RF ablation in 1 session, and 3 patients, with ≥14.0-cm single hemangioma, were treated with RF ablation in 2 sessions. Complete ablation was achieved in 81.8% (18/22) and 90.5% (19/21) in the multitined electrode group and the internally cooled electrode group, respectively (P>0.05). Ablation time for single hemangioma was shorter with the internally cooled electrode than with the multitined electrode (P<0.05). There were 79 complications related to ablation (2 major and 77 minor) in 31 patients. All 21 patients in the multitined electrode group experienced complications, compared with 10 of 21 patients (47.6%) in the internally cooled electrode group (P<0.05). Both of the 2 major complications occurred in the multitined electrode group. All the complications were treated successfully with conservative measures.

CONCLUSIONS

RF ablation is a safe and effective treatment for large hepatic hemangiomas. Use of the internally cooled cluster electrodes and a more defensive treatment algorithm can reduce the complications.

Radiofrequency ablation for large hepatic hemangiomas: initial experience and lessons

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of large (≥5 cm in greatest diameter) hepatic hemangiomas.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients (15 male, 21 female; mean age 50 years) with 41 hepatic hemangiomas ≥5 cm in diameter were enrolled and treated with RF ablation attributable to the presence of enlargement tendency and/or persistent hemangioma-associated symptoms. Twenty patients had 24 hemangiomas <10 cm, and 16 patients had 17 hemangiomas ≥10 cm. Technical success, complications related to RF ablation, completed ablation, symptom relief, change in size of ablation zone, and recurrence of the residual tumor were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 41 hemangiomas with a mean diameter 10 ± 4 cm (range, 5-22 cm), 26 subcapsular lesions were treated with a laparoscopic approach, and 15 lesions located in liver parenchyma underwent a computed tomography-guided percutaneous approach. RF ablation was performed successfully in all patients. There were 62 complications related to the ablation in 22 patients, including 6 of 20 patients with hemangiomas <10 cm and all the 16 patients with hemangiomas ≥10 cm. According to the Dindo-Clavien classification, 2 complications (lower esophageal fistula and acute respiratory distress syndrome, Grade III and Grade IV, respectively) were major in 2 patients with hemangiomas ≥10 cm; all the other were minor in 20 patients (Grade I). All the complications were recovered by conservative treatment. Thirty-eight (93%) of 41 hepatic hemangiomas were ablated completely, including all the 24 lesions <10 cm and 14 of 17 lesions ≥10 cm. All the symptoms related to hemangiomas disappeared (n = 22) or were ameliorated (n = 4) after ablation. The mean diameter of ablation zone was decreased to 6 ± 3 cm (2-12 cm) in a mean follow-up period (X ± SD) of 15 ± 6 months (range, 6-24 months), without recurrence or enlargement of the 3 residual tumors.

CONCLUSION

The present study supports RF ablation as an alternative treatment for hepatic hemangiomas ≥5 cm (but smaller than 10 cm) for the low risk of complications and likelihood of complete ablation, but, in contrast, RF ablation appears to be an inappropriate method for hepatic hemangiomas ≥10 cm because of the high occurrence rate of complications.

Symptomatic-enlarging hepatic hemangiomas are effectively treated by percutaneous ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation for the management of symptomatic-enlarging hepatic hemangiomas.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (5 male and 19 female, with mean age of 49.5±2.2) with 25 hemangiomas over 4 cm underwent percutaneous RFA due to either the presence of symptoms or the enlargement of hemangioma compared with previous imaging studies.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of hemangioma was 7.2±0.7 cm (4.0-15.0 cm) with 16 hemangiomas in right and 9 hemangiomas in left lobe. Twenty-three hemangiomas (92.0%) were successfully treated by radiofrequency ablation. The mean diameter of hemangiomas was decreased to 4.5±2.4 cm (p<0.001) in serial follow-up CT scans over mean period of 23±3.8 months (23-114 months). Symptoms related to hemangioma disappeared without enlargement of hemangiomas in all successfully treated patients. There were 14 adverse events in 10 patients including abdominal pain, indirect hyperbilirubinemia (>3.0 mg/dl), fever (38.3°C), anemia (<10 g/dl), and ascites, which were successfully managed by conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe procedure for the management of symptomatic-enlarging hepatic hemangioma.

[Radiotherapy for a massive hepatic hemangioma in a six-week-old infant]

We report the case of a six-week-old baby who underwent irradiation for a giant hepatic hemangioma. After medical treatment including corticosteroids and interferon, no response was observed. She progressed to respiratory failure, requiring the use of mechanical ventilation. An emergency radiation therapy of the liver was decided. We observed a rapid improvement of the child, with the recovery of autonomous breathing without mechanical ventilation and a normalization of cardiac functions. Two months later, a partial left hepatic embolization was needed due to a progression of a localized blood flow. Six months later, she finally came back home. Cardiac output was normal and hepatomegaly began to regress. One year later, ponderal status is satisfactory, and it remains a localized hepatic right lobe hypertrophy without functional consequence.

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma: clinical experience and management strategy

PURPOSE

This study sought to define management strategies based on clinical experience in treating infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with hemangioendothelioma presenting to a tertiary liver transplantation center between 1989 and 1997 was performed.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (median age, 14 days) with hemangioendothelioma were identified. Congestive heart failure (P<.03) and abdominal mass (P<.081) were predictive of 5-month mortality rates. Ultrasonography and computerized axial tomography were the diagnostic modalities most commonly used. Treatment strategies consisted of medical management (steroids and alpha-interferon) and interventional modalities (hepatic artery ligation or embolization, resectional surgery, or orthotopic liver transplantation). Patients who underwent resectional surgery, with or without orthotopic liver transplantation, had a lower 5-month mortality rate (P<.02) and a greater 2-year survival rate (P<.003) than did those who underwent hepatic artery ligation or embolization. Early morbidity and mortality tended to be a consequence of the primary lesion, whereas late morbidity and mortality were reflective of the treatment modality used.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of failed medical management, resectional therapy should be used when possible. If partial hepatectomy is not technically achievable, hepatic artery embolization should be used either as definitive therapy or as a temporizing measure until orthotopic liver transplantation is possible.

Surgical treatment of giant haemangioma of the liver

BACKGROUND

The treatment of giant symptomatic haemangioma of the liver is still controversial. This retrospective study reviewed the results of surgical treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with symptomatic giant haemangioma of the liver were treated by liver resection (n = 24) or liver transplantation (n = 4). The median diameter of the haemangiomas was 11 (range 5-20) cm.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in five of the 24 patients treated by partial liver resection, although all survived and remain alive and well more than 2 years after surgery. In six patients there was residual haemangioma in the liver remnant which did not enlarge during the 2-year follow-up. In four patients the haemangioma was considered irresectable and liver transplantation was performed. One died after a 'two-stage' liver transplantation; the remaining three patients are alive and well, 1, 4 and 9 years after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection is the treatment of choice for giant haemangioma of the liver where possible. In selected cases liver transplantation is indicated.

Hemangioendothelioma of the liver in infants

Hemangioendotheliomas are the most common type of hepatic vascular tumors that present in infancy. Eleven infants (nine boys, two girls) were referred for definitive management from 1970 through 1990. Ten were symptomatic, and the majority required intensive medical therapy because of cardiac failure. All were treated surgically. Three underwent partial hepatectomy for unilobar disease, and eight had ligation of the hepatic artery because of bilobar disease. There were two deaths (18%) in the early part of the series. Ligation of the hepatic artery was completely successful in controlling cardiac failure in six infants and was partially successful in one. There are two surgical options for treating symptomatic hepatic hemangioendotheliomata in infancy. Bilobar multifocal disease can be treated successfully by ligation of the hepatic artery; if localized, hemangioendothelioma can be resected, with rapid control of symptoms.

Multiple hepatic hemangiomas with significant arterioportal venous shunting

A patient with multiple hepatic hemangiomas and significant arterioportal shunting who was successfully treated by a left-hepatic lobectomy is presented herein. In hemangiomas with significant arterioportal venous shunting, it is essential to differentiate between hepatocellular carcinoma and hypervascular metastatic tumors because few typical findings of hemangioma can be recognized. Moreover, an increased hepatic arterial flow can increase the risk of spontaneous rupture as well as portal hypertension due to the increased inflow to the portal vein. Therefore, a definitive diagnosis should be made by liver biopsy when imaging alone is not sufficient to rule out malignancy. Furthermore, hepatic resection for hemangiomas with significant arterioportal venous shunting may be indicated due to the higher risk of rupture and the possibility of progressive portal hypertension.

Radiation therapy in the unresectable cavernous hemangioma of the liver

Hemangioma is the most common benign neoplasm of the liver, for which a 'wait and see' policy has been advised when it is small or without symptoms. Surgery is the treatment of choice of these tumors when marked symptomatology is present. However, some of these lesions cannot be excised due to their size, multiplicity, location or medical conditions. In these patients, radiotherapy has been reported to give good results with minor morbidity, suspending the tumor growth and decreasing the symptomatology. Seven symptomatic patients were treated with radiotherapy with a dose of 15-30 Gray in 15-22 fractions. Improvement of the quality of life was observed in all patients and the regression of the tumor volume was confirmed by computed tomography in five, with a follow-up ranging from 40 to 67 months.

Radiotherapy for large symptomatic hemangiomas

Between 1974 and 1988, 13 patients presented with large (3 to greater than 20 cm) symptomatic unresectable or partially resected hemangiomas. Tumor sites were extremities (five cases), vertebral bodies (three cases), face (two cases), pituitary fossa (one case), pelvic bones (one case), and bladder (one case). Symptoms included severe pain in eight patients, inability to use an extremity in five, vision problems in three, weakness in two, and hematuria with decreased urinary stream in one. Many patients had more than one symptom. Two of the cases were associated with life-threatening consumptive coagulopathies (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome). Therapy was delivered with both orthovoltage and megavoltage photons. Doses ranged from 6.25 to 40.0 Gy in 1.6- to 2.5-Gy fractions. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 15 years (median, 13 years). Tumor shrinkage was noted in 9 (82%) of the 11 cases in which tumor size data were collected before and after therapy. Complete response of tumor mass occurred in 4 (36%) of 11, partial response occurred in 5 (45%), and no response occurred in 2 (18%). No tumor grew after radiotherapy. Some relief in symptoms occurred in all 13 patients; 10 (77%) had complete resolution of symptoms. In both patients with life-threatening cytopenias, hematologic values returned to normal after treatment. Because the majority of the patients responded to all dose levels administered, no firm dose-response relationship was evident. However, objective (measurable) complete responses occurred in two (50%) of the four patients receiving doses of 30 Gy or greater compared with only two (29%) of the seven patients who received lesser doses. No long-term morbidity occurred. Radiotherapy of large unresectable and partially resected hemangiomas yields long-term relief of symptoms and tumor shrinkage in the majority of patients treated.

Giant hemangioma of the arm associated with cardiac failure and the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in a neonate

We report a neonate who presented within hours of birth with severe congenital cardiac failure, thrombocytopenia, and consumption coagulopathy, caused by a massive hemangioma of the left arm. Initial treatment with glucocorticoids, platelet and clotting factor replacements, and cardiovascular support failed to control these hemangioma effects and amputation was avoided only when axillary artery ligation and an intermittent pneumatic compression device, manufactured in this hospital, achieved control of this lesion and hastened its subsequent resolution. The treatment of such lesions is reviewed, emphasizing individualized treatment protocols, and stressing that such lesions and their effects, cannot be regarded as variants of a single disease entity when planning management.

Infantile hepatic hemangiomas. Clinical features, radiologic investigations, and treatment of 20 patients

The clinical features, radiologic investigation, and treatment of 20 infants with hepatic hemangiomas are presented. Palpable abdominal mass (n = 18) and cardiac failure (n = 11) were the common presenting features. Nine patients had hyperconsumptive coagulopathy. Seven patients had other hemangiomas. Ultrasound (n = 15) showed the number and distribution of the hemangiomas within the liver. Hypoechoic and hyperechoic elements were present in addition to prominent vascular channels and diminished caliber of the distal aorta. Radionuclide sulfur colloid (n = 12) and labeled red blood cell (n = 7) studies showed the distribution and vascularity of the hemangiomas. Computed tomography (n = 8) revealed central hypointensity with marked peripheral enhancement after contrast. Arteriography now performed only as a prelude to therapeutic embolization demonstrated hypervascularity in each patient, contrast pooling in six and early draining veins in five. Magnetic resonance scanning (n = 3) showed decreased signal intensity on T1 images and high intensity signal on T2. In two patients, there was resolution or improvement of the hemangiomas without therapy. Four patients had surgery (lobectomy [2], trisegmentectomy [1], and surgical evacuation of a central hematoma [1]). Steroids and radiation were given to seven patients, and one patient also required therapeutic embolization. Steroids were the initial therapy in five patients, one of whom later required therapeutic embolization and another cyclophosphamide. Two patients were treated initially with radiation therapy, one of whom also needed emergency hepatic artery ligation. Seventeen of the 20 patients are alive and well from 6 months to 14 years after diagnosis.

Experience with hepatic hemangioendothelioma in infancy and childhood

This report describes our experience with 16 infants and children with a mean age of 7 months and a median age of 6 weeks with hepatic hemangioendothelioma. Fifteen patients presented with hepatomegaly. Seven had congestive heart failure and four had associated cutaneous lesions. Although diagnosis was clinically evident in 15 of the 16 patients, arteriography and computerized tomography (CT) were diagnostic. A variety of treatment approaches were used including radiation, resection, systemic steroids, hepatic artery ligation, angiographic embolization, and various combinations of these modalities. The following information was gained from this experience. CT with enhancement is as specific a diagnostic tool as hepatic arteriography. Angiographic and CT appearances do not correlate with prognosis. Most patients can be treated successfully with steroids; those who do not respond should have other approaches tried such as embolization or ligation. The angiographic appearance determines whether embolization therapy is worthwhile, as we found that hemangioendotheliomatosis with portal as well as hepatic arterial supply will not respond to embolization. The survival rate in this series was 80%.

Computed tomographic appearances of massive neonatal hemangioma of the liver: a case report

The unusual computed tomographic appearances of a hepatic hemangioma in a neonate are reported. The liver was replaced by cystlike spaces that enhanced with contrast. These blood-filled spaces were responsible for the cardiac failure that improved following ligation of the hepatic artery.

Embolization therapy in the management of infantile hemangioma with Kasabach Merritt syndrome

A case is presented in which a giant infantile hemangioma with thrombocytopenia is managed successfully by serial transcatheter embolization.

Diagnosis and management of massive hepatic hemangiomas in childhood

Twelve patients diagnosed as having hepatic hemangiomas during 1960 to 1982 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne are reviewed. This rare benign vascular tumor can present considerable problems in both diagnosis and management and has a high reported mortality. Our experience over this 23-year period demonstrates some of the difficulties in diagnosis and suggests a plan of management. Eight patients were diagnosed when five weeks of age or less, the youngest was 24 hours old. One was diagnosed at four months of age. In the remaining three patients, the diagnosis was made at postmortem. Ten patients had prominent hepatomegaly, nine had congestive cardiac failure and in one of these the onset was delayed four weeks. Thrombocytopenia was present in five and jaundice in four patients. Four patients had associated cutaneous or visceral hemangiomas. Seven patients underwent selective hepatic arteriography, and two of these had prior ultrasound examinations of the liver. Management of congestive cardiac failure included steroids, radiotherapy, hepatic resection, and in one patient, hepatic artery ligation. One patient with diffuse hepatic hemangiomas did not require any specific therapy and resolved spontaneously over two years. The four patients in whom hepatic resection was performed survived.

Giant cavernous hepatic hemangioma: treatment by ligation of the hepatic artery

We present a case of a giant hepatic hemangioma. We found it at laparotomy and we decided on the course of treatment on the operating table. As right lobectomy was not feasible, we performed ligation of the hepatic artery. The patient made an uneventful recovery. A selective hepatic angiography and a liver scan were performed 8 months postoperatively and they both showed regression of the tumor. The tumor was not demonstrable in the right hepatic artery. The patient is in excellent health 2 years after the operation; the liver is smaller in palpation and the tumor itself is nonpalpable. In this case the ligation of the hepatic artery was a successful therapeutic procedure.

Diagnosis and management of cavernous hemangioma of the liver

Cavernous hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver, which are now seen more often thanks to common use of newer imaging techniques. A review of the literature on cavernous hemangiomas of the liver, including our own experience with 14 cases, provides data as a touchstone for discussion of the incidence, etiology, symptoms, pathology, diagnosis including ultrasound, radionuclide imaging, computed tomography and angiography, management including resection, hepatic artery ligation, radiation and corticosteroid, and the natural history of these lesions. The author concludes that surgical resection of cavernous hemangiomas should be undertaken with due concern for the relation between the severity of symptoms and the operative risks involved.

Surgical treatment of giant hemangioma of the liver

During a 5 year period, we treated 5 patients with giant hemangioma of the liver. There were 4 women and 1 man who ranged in age from 34 to 51 years with an average age of 43.8 years. The symptoms were an abdominal mass with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in 2 patients, an uncomfortable sensation in the upper abdomen in two patients, and pain in the right upper quadrant in one patient. All five patients underwent surgical treatment with a successful outcome. Three of the patients underwent hepatic lobectomy, one patient underwent left lateral segmentectomy with ligation of the right hepatic artery, and one patient had ligation of the left hepatic artery with radiation. In two of the patients, Kasabach-Merritt syndrome was cured promptly after hepatic lobectomy. We believe that a symptomatic giant hemangioma within one lobe should be treated by hepatectomy, but if it involves both lobes, ligation of the hepatic artery, with or without radiation, should be considered.

Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell imaging

Red blood cells labeled with 99mTc constitute a suitable intravascular agent for imaging of vascular abnormalities. Hemangiomas are characterized by low perfusion and a high blood pool. This "perfusion blood-pool mismatch," not encountered in other lesions, may help in the specific diagnosis of this tumor. This is particularly so in cavernous hemangiomas of the liver where three-phase 99mTc-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy should precede liver biopsy. Red cell scintigraphy also is useful for establishing the vascular nature of hemangiomas of the head and neck and the skin and for diagnosis of venous occlusion. Heat-damaged red blood cells provide a specific spleen imaging agent. This should be used when patients with suspected splenic pathology have equivocal colloid scintigraphy.

Correlation of the real-time ultrasonographic appearance of hepatic hemangiomas with angiography

The ultrasonographic appearance of hepatic hemangiomas was studied in 19 patients (31 lesions). The detectability rate by real-time ultrasonography was 77%. A hyperechoic, sharply-marginated and internally homogeneous lesion is highly suggestive of hemangioma. If the hypoechoic lesion has homogeneous internal echoes and/or strong marginal echoes, it is also suggestive of hemangioma. It is difficult to detect small lesions in the lower lateral part of the right lobe and lesions in the right lobe immediately under the diaphragm. Computed tomography should be the next procedure of choice in the evaluation process. If the computed tomography is not characteristic, angiography should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Hepatic artery ligation for hepatic hemangiomatosis of infancy

Capillary and cavernous hemangiomas of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, usually follow a benign course with enlargement in the first year of life followed by gradual involution. Hemangiomas of the liver, on the other hand, can be responsible for life threatening complications in infancy. The presence of major intrahepatic arteriovenous communications may produce a high output cardiac failure, refractory to intensive medical therapy. Use of radiation therapy and high doses of steroids have proven to be of limited success with a 90% mortality in infants managed with nonoperative therapy. Hepatic artery ligation in such patients may provide dramatic control of the high output failure, with negligible side effects. Two infants are reported in whom bilateral hepatic artery ligation provided prompt control of fulminant congestive failure secondary to hepatic hemangiomatosis, after failure of medical therapy.

Cavernous hemangiomas of the liver: resect or observe?

Surgical decisions regarding cavernous hemangioma of the liver require consideration of the natural history of the lesion. To provide background, we retrospectively evaluated 49 cases of such hemangiomas exceeding 4 cm in diameter. There were 36 female patients (including 4 infants) and 13 males. Their ages ranged from 1 month to 68 years and averaged 44 years. Surgical procedures that ranged from simple excision to hepatic lobectomy were performed on 13 patients. Four had postoperative complications. There were no surgical deaths or any late deaths attributable to hemangioma. The other 36 patients have been observed for up to 15 years (mean 5.5 years) without the need for surgery. None of the patients in this group died, and none has experienced intraperitoneal hemorrhage or intensification of symptoms, although the size of four lesions increased. The benign course should be considered when deciding on management of lesions that are asymptomatic or so large as to pose significant operative risk.

Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma treated by radiotherapy

Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma is a rare tumor of infancy, sometimes associated with cutaneous hemangiomatosis. It is clinically evident within the first six months after birth and can be life threatening because of heart failure, intraperitoneal hemorrhage or thrombocytopenia. In less severe forms spontaneous regression has been described. Current treatment may be surgical ligation of the hepatic artery, or pharmacological therapy with corticosteroids or radiotherapy. A 4-month infant is described, admitted with acute heart failure and huge hepatomegaly. Since a surgical approach was not possible and corticosteroid therapy failed to achieve the expected effect, radiotherapy was given with excellent results.

Ultrasonographic patterns in hepatic hemangiomas

Twenty-one cases of hepatic hemangioma were examined by ultrasound, and three main sonographic patterns were identified. In 14 cases hyperechoic focal areas were observed, in five cases larger hemangiomas exhibited a complex pattern, and in two cases hemangiomas appeared as rounded sonolucent areas with distal enhancement mimicking cysts. Hemangiomas may have significantly variable ultrasonographic features. According to the authors' experience, only in cases of hyperechoic well-defined lesions in asymptomatic patients can a definite diagnosis of hemangioma be made.

Hepatic hemangioma in childhood: medical management or surgical management?

Between 1955 and 1980 there were 14 patients treated at The Hospital for Sick Children with hemangiomas of the liver. Eight were seen at birth and 13 within the first 6 wk of life. The presenting clinical feature was that of massive hepatomegaly. Two children who had presented in the neonatal period were found to have had cardiac failure. Six patients were anemic and required blood transfusions. Before 1976 all patients who did not have cutaneous hemangiomas underwent laparotomy. Since 1976 only one laparotomy was done, the remaining 5 patients all having been treated symptomatically without operation. All the tumors involuted in the first year of life. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 20 yr and all are living and without symptoms. We recommend no active treatment if complications are absent. Steroids and radiotherapy are not used. If anemia and/or cardiac failure supervene, appropriate nonoperative management is necessary. Surgical treatment is indicated only if medical management fails or for rupture of the lesion.

Liver tumors

Several different malignant and benign tumors of the liver are seen in children. They pose a significant challenge for the pediatric surgeon because they reach a very large size before discovery and hepatic resection is usually necessary for cure. Surgical mortality and morbidity are still significant.

Hepatic haemangiomata: diagnosis and management

Five cases of hepatic haemangioma are described, and a sixth (previously reported) is reviewed. Clinical features, investigation, and management are described to show the great variability of the complications and prognosis. Five children presented in the first 10 weeks of life with hepatomegaly; 4 developed congestive cardiac failure; 3 had cutaneous haemangiomata. One child presented at age 4 years with hepatomegaly and anaemia, and on investigation had features of chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Focal decrease or patchiness in hepatic uptake of technetium-99m colloid, and abnormal intrahepatic circulation was shown in all cases. In 3 children liver biopsy was performed to exclude malignant disease. In one patient there was spontaneous regression of the tumour by age 3 years. In 3 cases hepatic artery ligation was necessary to control congestive cardiac failure which had persisted despite treatment with digoxin, diuretics, and oral corticosteroids, a procedure which was without complications after up to 8 years. One infant with intractable portal hypertension, hepatic vein obstruction, and severe cholestasis died with persisting alimentary haemorrhage and intra-abdominal sepsis. One child aged 4 years showed no immediate response to hepatic artery ligation but the size of her tumour got smaller and the clinical features diminished after irradiation. These tumours cause considerable morbidity and have a high reported mortality. If congestive cardiac failure is not rapidly controlled, hepatic artery ligation should be performed.

Concurrent cutaneous and hepatic hemangiomata in infancy: report of a case and a review of the literature

Fifty-eight cases of concurrent cutaneous and hepatic hemangiomatosis in infants have been reported in the world literature. A fifty-ninth case is herewith reported and the literature is reviewed. Untreated cases have a mortality rate of 81%, whereas the mortality of treated cases is 29%. The main cause of death appears to be the consequence of arteriovenous shunting in the liver. Early and aggressive treatment by prednisone, radiotherapy to the liver, partial resection of liver, and ligation of the hepatic artery, each alone or in combinations, have been effective.

Hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum

A 6-mo-old male with a hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas obstructing the common bile duct and duodenum required temporary bypass of these structures while awaiting involution of the tumor treated primarily by corticosteroids and radiation therapy.