Superextended hepatectomy for resection of multiple giant hemangiomas: report of a case

A giant cavernous hemangioma of the liver extending into the pelvis

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A 66-year-old male with a giant liver mass (37 cm) extending in the pelvis.

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Diagnosis—cavernous hemangioma, symptomatic and growing (uncommon presentation).

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Surgical treatment offered—resection/left trisectionectomy performed.

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Indications for treatment and surgical approaches (including enucleation) discussed.

Introduction

Giant cavernous hemangiomas are the most common tumors of the liver, ocurring in up to 20% of the general population. Given their benign course, asymptomatic nature and slow growth rate, treatment is rarely indicated. The case presented herein is unique as it describes an uncommon presentation of this common tumor and the circumstances in which surgical treatment is beneficial.

Presentation of case

We present a case of a 66 year-old patient with prostate cancer referred for evaluation of a massive 37 cm giant liver hemangioma, extending into the pelvis and in the planned field of radiation for prostate cancer, exhibiting rapid growth, and associated with significant symptomatology. Given these clinical characteristics, the patient was offered surgery and underwent a left trisectionectomy with an uneventful recovery. The patient's symptoms resolved and he was able to complete radiation to the pelvis.

Discussion

In the context of an unusual presentation, this case presentation reviews the typical clinical and imaging characteristics of giant liver hemangiomas and expands on the current indications for treatment, emphasizing the role of enucleation and resection for patients meeting appropriate indications.

Conclusion

Although liver hemangiomas are extremely common, surgical treatment is rarely required. With appropriate indications, and when enucleation is not feasible or ideal, major liver resection is a safe alternative approach with excellent outcomes when performed in the right setting.

Successful living donor liver transplantation for giant extensive venous malformation

We report our success in employing LDLT as a course of treatment for extensive hepatic VM. A 14-yr-old pediatric patient presented at our hospital with nosebleed, fatigability, orthopnea, and abdominal distension. He had a history of right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis due to VM of the transverse colon at age seven. Coagulation abnormalities were apparent, characterized by high international normalized ratio of prothrombin time, decreased fibrinogen level, increased FDPs, and D-dimer. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed numerous, variable-sized high signal intensity nodules. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan showed hepatomegaly with multiple hypo-echogenic lesions and arteriovenous shunting in the liver. Doppler ultrasound showed hypokinetic flow in the hypo-echogenic lesions of liver. Immediate LDLT was performed to avoid spontaneous rupture and DIC. The right lobe of the liver was implanted with temporary portocaval shunt to prevent intestinal congestion and bleeding. Pathologic examination of the explanted liver confirmed the presence of an extensive hepatic VM. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remained symptom-free with normal liver function throughout the 12-month follow-up period.