"Pseudo-pseudotumor" of the liver. Adenocarcinoma presenting as an inflammatory pseudotumor

Imagerie des pseudo-tumeurs inflammatoires hépatiques

PURPOSE

To describe the imaging features of inflammatory pseudotumors of the liver.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory pseudotumors of the liver are rare benign lesions that may simulate malignancy on imaging studies. Diagnosis is most frequently confirmed after surgical resection of the lesion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study from 1998 to 2006 of histologically proven cases of inflammatory pseudotumors of the liver. A combination of the following imaging modalities were utilized: US, contrast enhanced US, helical CT and MRI.

RESULTS

A total of seven lesions (mean diameter of 61.4 mm) were detected in 6 patients (mean age of 66 years). Clinical and laboratory results were non-specific. The following imaging studies were available: US in 5 cases, including one with contrast material, CT in 5 cases and MRI in 3 cases. All tumors were hypoechoic on US, with no enhancement after injection of Levovist. The tumors were generally hypodense on noncontrast CT and enhancement, when present, was delayed and moderate. On MRI, the tumors were iso- or slightly hyperintense on T2W images and iso- or slightly hypointense on T1W images with subtle peripheral enhancement on delayed imaging.

CONCLUSION

The differential diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver should be known to radiologists and could be suggested in a clinical context of chronic inflammatory process in patients with non-specific liver mass showing imaging features of partial fibrosis with delayed enhancement.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver masquerading as hepatocellular carcinoma after a hepatitis B virus infection: Report of a case

We report a rare case of hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) after a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Early contrast enhancement on computed tomography (CT) with a washout phenomenon at the delayed phase, and depleted Kupffer cell function on superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the lack of a tumor capsule, absence of liver cirrhosis, and normal serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein and PIVKA-II (protein induced by vitamin K absence; descarboxyprothrombin) contradicted this diagnosis. We excised the tumor to exclude malignancy, and the histopathological diagnosis was IPT. Recent evidence suggests that this entity has changed from an extremely rare pathology to an established disease. Thus, IPT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a liver mass with an infectious-inflammatory antecedent. Although surgery is not mandatory, surgical removal is recommended if there is a possibility of malignancy. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of IPT developing after an HBV infection.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver treated by hepatic resection: a case report

Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) of the liver is rare benign tumor. When the diagnosis of IPT is established with biopsy, simple observation or conservative therapy is preferred because of the possibility of regression. But IPT is unresponsive to the conservative treatment, surgical resection should be considered. We experienced a 63-year-old male, who was suspected hepatocellular carcinoma in abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan, presented with 2-month history of intermittent fever and weight loss. Percutaneous ultrasound guided core biopsy confirmed IPT of the liver. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were administered for 8 and 4 weeks, respectively, but fever continued. So, extended right hepatectomy was performed for IPT of the liver and then fever subsided. The patient remains well during a follow-up period of 12 months.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver: demographics, diagnosis, and the case for nonoperative management

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver (IPL) is an unusual tumor-like condition that is becoming recognized as an important differential diagnosis in the patient presenting with liver masses. This report describes six cases of IPL.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical, diagnostic, pathologic, and followup data were collected prospectively on six patients presenting to a specialist hepatobiliary unit.

RESULTS

Six patients with IPL presented over a 2-year period. Median age was 35 years (range 2 to 79 years) and five patients were men. Three patients were Polynesian (Tongan and Samoan) and one was New Zealand Maori. Five patients presented with nonspecific symptoms (fever, arthralgia, myalgia) and IPL was an incidental finding in one patient. At presentation, four patients had elevated white cell counts, and five patients had abnormal liver function tests with elevations in alkaline phosphotase and gamma-glutamyl transferase the most commonly seen. Carcinogenic embryonic antigen and alpha fetoprotein were normal in all patients, although one was a known hepatitis B carrier. In all cases of IPL, diagnosis was made on core biopsy of the liver lesions and all patients were managed nonoperatively with complete resolution of the tumors. Two patients had marked reduction in systemic symptoms (fever and pain) from a short course of oral steroids.

CONCLUSIONS

IPL appears to be a relatively common problem in Maori and Polynesians. Recognition and differentiation of this condition from malignant liver lesions are important to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver--a rare entity and a diagnostic challenge

Inflammatory pseudotumors are rare benign lesions that occur throughout the body. Hepatic pseudotumors are uncommon lesions, accompanied by fever, malaise, abdominal pain, and mass effect, and therefore are commonly misdiagnosed as malignant tumors or liver abscesses. Because even routine imaging procedures usually fail to differentiate hepatic pseudotumors from liver neoplasms, a diagnostic histology procedure is usually needed. We present a case of hepatic pseudotumor that resolved spontaneously and review the literature, including 40 previously reported cases and the differential diagnosis.