Rapid disappearance of hepatic adenoma after contraceptive withdrawal

Benign liver lesions 2022: Guideline for clinical practice of Associazione Italiana Studio del Fegato (AISF), Società Italiana di Radiologia Medica e Interventistica (SIRM), Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC), Società Italiana di Ultrasonologia in Medicina e Biologia (SIUMB), Associazione Italiana di Chirurgia Epatobilio-Pancreatica (AICEP), Società Italiana Trapianti d'Organo (SITO), Società Italiana di Anatomia Patologica e Citologia Diagnostica (SIAPEC-IAP) - Part II - Solid lesions

Benign liver lesions are increasingly diagnosed in daily clinical practice due to the growing use of imaging techniques for the study of the abdomen in patients who have non-specific symptoms and do not have an increased risk of hepatic malignancy. They include simple or parasitic hepatic cysts and solid benign tumors which differ widely in terms of prevalence, clinical relevance, symptoms and natural history and often lead to significant clinical problems relating to diagnosis and clinical management. Following the need to have updated guidelines on the management of benign focal liver lesions, the Scientific Societies mainly involved in their management have promoted the drafting of a new dedicated document. This document was drawn up according to the present Italian rules and methodologies necessary to produce clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic guidelines based on evidence. Here we present the second part of the guideline, concerning the diagnosis and clinical management of hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hepatocellular adenoma.

KETOgenic diet therapy in patients with HEPatocellular adenoma: study protocol of a matched interventional cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is an uncommon, solid and benign liver lesion, mainly occurring in women using oral contraceptives. Patients are advised to stop using oral contraceptives (OC) and, as overweight is frequently observed, dietary restrictions. Metabolic changes are assumed to play a role and it has been suggested that diet may help to reduce tumour size. A low-calorie ketogenic diet (LCKD) has been shown to induce weight loss and multiple metabolic changes, including the reduction of portal insulin concentrations, which downregulates hepatic growth hormone receptors. Weight reduction and an LCKD can potentially reduce the size of HCAs.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We designed a matched, interventional cohort study to determine the effect of an LCKD on the regression of HCA. The study population consists of female subjects with an HCA, 18-50 years of age, body mass index>25 kg/m², who are entering a surveillance period including cessation of OC. A historical control group will be matched. The intervention consists of an LCKD (approximately 35 g carbohydrate/1500 kcal/day) for 3 months, followed by a less strict LCKD for 3 months (approximately 60 g carbohydrate/1500 kcal/day). Main study endpoint is the diameter of the HCA after 6 months, as compared with the historic control group. Secondary endpoints include adherence, quality of life, change in physical activity, liver fat content, body weight, body composition and resting energy expenditure.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The medical ethical committee has approved the study protocol, patient information files and consent procedure and other study-related documents and procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NL75014.078.20; Pre-results. https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9092.

Guidelines for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Adenoma in the Era of Molecular Biology: An Experience-Based Surgeons' Perspective

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular adenoma (HA) is a rare benign liver tumor with increasing incidence affecting young women. In the last years, much has changed in diagnosis, classification, and treatment, due to the identification of different molecular subtypes. With the evolving knowledge, especially on molecular characteristics of the disease, we are far from a consensus of how to deal with such a multifaceted benign disease METHODS: In the last 20 years, we have treated 134 patients with HA with a mean age of 28 years, being 126 women. Fifty patients had a history of abdominal pain and 13 patients had an acute episode of pain due to rupture and bleeding. Until 2009, adenomas larger than 4 cm in diameter were resected, regardless of gender. From 2010 to 2016, only adenomas larger than 5 cm were referred for surgical treatment. Since 2016, resection was indicated in all female patients with non-steatotic adenomas larger than 5 cm and all adenomas in men.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

One hundred twenty-four patients were submitted to resection, being in 21 major resections. Since 2010, 74% of resections were done laparoscopically. Patients with ruptured adenomas were treated with transarterial embolization. Morbidity rate was 8.1% with no mortality. Authors discuss point-by-point all the aspects and presentations of the disease and the best approach. We proposed a therapeutic guideline based on the best available evidence and in our experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the complexity of the disease, the treatment of HA is one the best examples of an individualized approach.

Liver adenomatosis in patients with hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha maturity onset diabetes of the young (HNF1A-MODY): Clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics in a French series

BACKGROUND

Liver adenomatosis (LA) is a rare disease resulting from biallelic inactivation of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1A) gene, which induces the proliferation of adenoma cells in liver parenchyma. Liver adenomatosis has only been documented in case reports from patients carrying a HNF1A germline mutation. We have evaluated the frequency of LA among a large cohort of patients with HNF1A-maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), previously termed "MODY3," and herein describe its clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics.

METHODS

In all, 137 HNF1A-MODY subjects from 74 families were screened by liver ultrasonography in 13 centers, and 15 additional cases of LA were later included in the series. Liver adenomatosis was confirmed by liver computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or histopathology.

RESULTS

Among 137 carriers of an HNF1A mutation, 9 patients (6.5%) from seven families were diagnosed with LA. Diabetes mellitus was present in 87.5% of patients with LA. In 25% of patients, LA was diagnosed due to intra-abdominal or intratumoral bleeding. Liver biochemistry was near normal in all patients. Liver imaging showed adenomas of various sizes and numbers. On MRI, most nodules had the radiological characteristics of steatotic adenomas. Histopathological confirmation of LA was available in 13 cases, and these adenomas were mostly steatotic. Surgery was initially performed in 37.5% of patients, and liver disease progression was observed in 30%. No disease progression was observed in 14 pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of LA in a cohort of screened HNF1A-MODY patients and the high incidence of LA progression and/or hemorrhage warrants systematic screening for liver adenomatosis in HNF1A-MODY families.

Ultrasound Imaging of Hepatocellular Adenoma Using the New Histology Classification

Hepatocellular adenoma is a rare benign liver tumor. Predisposing factors include hepatic storage diseases and some genetic conditions. A new histology-based classification has been proposed but to date, the corresponding ultrasound imaging features have not been reported. Here we review the new classification scheme and discuss the corresponding features on contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Long-term follow-up of hepatic adenoma and adenomatosis: analysis of size change on imaging with histopathological correlation

AIM

To analyse the change in size on follow-up of hepatic adenomas (HAs) and adenomatosis, and to investigate the relationship of imaging features with size change.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 44 patients (142 lesions) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis and follow-up of HA. The imaging features and percentage change in maximum tumour dimension were observed over a follow-up duration of up to 139 months.

RESULTS

With an average follow-up of 43 months, 37% lesions decreased in size, 58% were stable, 4% increased; one lesion regressed completely. Adenomas were stratified into size groups (<3, 3-5, and ≥5 cm). Size change among the three groups was similar (p>0.05). Percent size change was different for lesions followed for ≤12 months (-7.2%) compared with lesions followed for 13-60 months (-20.5%), and those followed for ≥60 months (-23.5%; p<0.05); there was no difference between lesions followed for 13-60 months and ≥60 months (p=0.523). Baseline size and percent size change was similar between the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-inactivated HA (HA-H) and inflammatory HA (HA-I) subtype (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Most adenomas were either stable or regressed on follow-up. Size change was independent of baseline size. After an initial size decrease within 5 years, no further size reduction was noted on extended follow-up. The percent size change in the HA-H and HA-I subtype was similar.

Hepatocellular adenoma in a woman who was undergoing testosterone treatment for gender identity disorder

A 32-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple liver tumors. She had been receiving 125 mg testosterone enanthate every 2 weeks following female-to-male gender identity disorder (GID) diagnosis at 20 years of age. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed 11 hepatic nodular tumors with a maximum diameter of 28 mm. Liver tumors with hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) were diagnosed with needle biopsy. Segmentectomy of the left lateral lobe including two lesions, subsegmentectomy of S6 including two lesions, enucleation of each tumor in S5 and S7, and open surgical radiofrequency ablation for each tumor in S4 and S7 were performed. Immunohistochemical specimens showed that the tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for glutamine synthetase and that the nuclei were ectopically positive for β-catenin. Thus, the tumors were diagnosed as β-catenin-activated HCA (b-HCA). Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization plus subsequent radiofrequency ablation was performed for the 3 residual lesions in S4 and S8. Although testosterone enanthate was being continued for GID, no recurrence was observed until at least 22 months after the intensive treatments. HCA development in such patients receiving testosterone should be closely monitored using image inspection.

A First Report of Synchronous Intracapsular and Extracapsular Hepatic Adenoma

Although the gallbladder is the most common site of ectopic liver, it has been reported in many other organs, such as kidney, adrenal glands, pancreas, omentum, stomach, esophagus, mediastinum, lungs, and heart. Hepatocytes in an ectopic liver behave like normal hepatocytes; furthermore, they can be associated with the same pathological findings as those in the main liver. Ectopic liver in the gallbladder can undergo fatty change, hemosiderosis, cholestasis, cirrhosis, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenoma, and even carcinogenesis. The incidence of extracapsular hepatic adenoma is not known, but only two cases have been reported. Here, we provide the first case report of synchronous multiple intracapsular and extracapsular hepatic adenomas. A 60-year-old woman with multiple hepatic adenomas and one 7 × 5 × 5 cm ectopic hepatic adenoma attached to the gallbladder fundus complicated with abdominal pain is presented.

Hepatic Adenomas in Adolescents and Young Women with Endometriosis Treated with Norethindrone Acetate

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis-ectopic implantation of endometrial-like tissue-affects 10% of female adolescents and adults. First-line treatment includes progesterone only (such as norethindrone acetate [NET-A]) or combined estrogen/progestin oral contraceptive pills. Estrogen-containing contraceptives confer increased risk of hepatic adenomas, whereas the association with NET-A is very rarely reported.

CASE

Three adolescents with stage I to II endometriosis managed with NET-A (up to 15 mg/d for 28-78 months) were diagnosed with hepatic adenomas at ages 17-22 years. They previously received estrogen-containing medications, which were stopped 24 months or longer before diagnosis of hepatic adenoma.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

NET-A in a dose greater than 10 mg/d might be associated with increased risk for hepatic adenomas, likely due to peripheral conversion to ethinyl estradiol. Use of NET-A might not be advisable in patients with known hepatic adenomas.

Gender differences in liver disease and the drug-dose gender gap

Although gender-based medicine is a relatively recent concept, it is now emerging as an important field of research, supported by the finding that many diseases manifest differently in men and women and therefore, might require a different treatment. Sex-related differences regarding the epidemiology, progression and treatment strategies of certain liver diseases have long been known, but most of the epidemiological and clinical trials still report results only about one sex, with consequent different rate of response and adverse reactions to treatment between men and women in clinical practice. This review reports the data found in the literature concerning the gender-related differences for the most representative hepatic diseases.

[Extracapsular hepatic adenoma. Case report and literature review]

BACKGROUND

Hepatic adenomas are uncommon epithelial tumours. They usually appear in women between 20 and 44 years old. They are commonly located in the right hepatic lobe and are typically solitary masses. Multiple adenomas can present in patients with prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills, glycogen storage diseases and hepatic adenomatosis.

CLINICAL CASE

A 35 year-old woman without any significant past medical history, with a chief complaint that started in December 2012 with oppressive, mild intensity abdominal pain located in right upper quadrant in the abdomen on deep palpation. With an abdominal ultrasound showing a mass of 91×82×65cm located in the right flank, isoechogenic with internal vascularity. Contrast computed tomography scan showing an ovoid tumour with circumscribed borders, with heterogenic intense reinforcement and displacement of adjacent structures with dimensions of 88×71×80cm. In laparotomy, excision of the tumour and cholecystectomy with the trans surgical findings of an 8cm tumour with a pedicle containing one artery and one vein coming from the hepatic free border with strong adhesions to the gallbladder. Pathologic diagnosis: Extracapsular hepatic adenoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of hepatic adenomas has increased in the last decades, in a parallel fashion with the introduction of oral contraceptive pills, showing association with glycogen storage diseases and to a lesser degree with diabetes and pregnancy. Diagnosis is clinical with the aid of imaging studies. Prognosis of hepatic adenomas is not well established, therefore, management depends on symptoms, size, number, location and certainty of diagnosis.

A case of inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma displaying an unusual histological pattern

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare type of liver tumor. Here, we report a variant case of HCA in a 56-year-old Japanese man which displayed unusual histological features. The patient had undergone surgery for esophageal and gastric cancer 2 years prior. A computed tomography scan performed in the follow-up period detected a single lesion (diameter 1.4 cm) in the right posterior lobe of the liver, leading to a partial hepatectomy. Histologically, the lesion was composed of two different types of cells. The larger cells, which accounted for most of the cells in the tumor, exhibited granular and eosinophilic cytoplasm, large nuclei and apparent nucleoli. These cells, which were designated the common cells, were typical of the HCA. The other cells, which were designated the pyknotic cells, were smaller, possessed an eosinophilic, homogeneous cytoplasm and pyknotic small nuclei, but did not contain nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, the common cells reacted strongly positive for C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A, which is compatible with a diagnosis of inflammatory HCA; in contrast, the pyknotic cells tested negative for these molecules. Since the pyknotic cells tested positive for several markers of apoptosis, they were considered to be apoptotic. In addition, as the common cells demonstrated a higher ki-67 labeling index, the lesion was considered to display upregulated cell kinetics, i.e. increases in both cell growth and death. Although HCA is a rare type of tumor, there have been several reports on HCA variants. The case reported here is that of a new type of HCA variant that demonstrated an unusual histological pattern and upregulated cell kinetics.

Will weight loss become a future treatment of hepatocellular adenoma in obese patients?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is more frequently observed in obese patients, however, the effect of weight loss as a therapeutic option was never studied.

METHODS

In this rapid communication we described our non-surgical management of large HCA (>5 cm) encountered in patients with morbid obesity. Non-surgical management consisted mainly of oral contraception withdrawal and weight loss, which was the only option in two patients. All demographics, radiological and histological data were studied. Patients were followed regularly every 6 months.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2013, 116 patients presented with HCA and 15 with morbid obesity (13%) were studied. Five men underwent surgery and females were either operated (period before 2010; n = 5) or proposed to non-surgical management (period after 2010; n = 5).Weight loss was advocated to all females, including four with residual HCA after resection and to non-operated patients, including two with haemorrhagic HCA. Four (40%) females showed significant weight loss. In resected patients, weight loss allowed stability (n = 1) or slight regression (n = 1) of residual HCA. In the two patients treated only by weight loss, significant decrease was observed in the weight with significant decrease (>50%) in the size and number of HCA to a non-surgical size (<5 cm). Severe morbidity was 40% in operated patients and 0% in non-operated patients. After a follow-up period of 38 months (18-60), no complication or degeneration was encountered in the non-operated group.

CONCLUSION

Like oral contraception, weight loss should be considered as the first therapeutic option in the management of HCA in obese patients.

Steatotic hepatocellular adenomas with different phenotypic subtypes: a case report

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are heterogeneous group of benign tumors; three pathomolecular subtypes have been identified so far: hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 α-inactivated HCA (H-HCA) (35-40%), inflammatory HCA (I-HCA) (>50%), β-catenin activated HCA (10%). Ten percent of I-HCA are also β-catenin activated. We report a rare case of three histologically confirmed steatotic HCAs of three different phenotypes: I-HCA, β-catenin activated I-HCA, and H-HCA in a 36-year-old woman. This observation outlines that in the same patient, HCA may be of different subtypes. The predisposition to develop different HCA hypothetically caused by a "benign tumorigenic field effect" may result, even rarely, in different genotypes/phenotypes such as H-HCA and I-HCA. Moreover, we illustrate the very high specificity of MR for subtyping HCA.

Liver adenomatosis: a rare indication for living donor liver transplantation

Liver adenomatosis (LA) is a rare benign disease of the liver with unclear pathogenesis, which is characterized by multiple hepatic adenomas. The management of LA remains controversial. Herein we have reported a case of LA treated by living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A 48-year-old woman developed multiple liver adenomas. In view of the sizes and localizations of the lesions, the patient underwent right hepatic resection and segment II nodulectomy. Thirty-four months later, she developed recurrence of multiple hepatic adenomas and 2 nodules were highly suspect for hepatocellular carcinoma. Re-resection was not indicated due to the whole liver being involved with adenomas. The patient underwent LDLT. At 45 months thereafter she is alive and disease-free. In conclusion, LDLT is indicated in cases of nonresectability; it may offer optimal results in view of the absence of portal hypertension and the elimination of waiting list time.

Resection, transplantation and local regional therapies for liver adenomas

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rare benign liver-cell neoplasm, occurring predominantly in young obese women using oral contraceptives. HCA is a heterogeneous disease, which includes four subtypes (including unclassified) associated with various risks of haemorrhagic complications and malignant transformation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for both diagnosis and subtype characterization of HCA whereas percutaneous biopsy has only limited impact on the therapeutic strategy. In men HCA should be always resected while in women surgery should only be considered for lesions ≥5 cm and after cessation of hormonal therapy. Women with single or multiple HCAs <5 cm may be followed with regular MRI imaging since the vast majority of HCA remains stable or decreases in size. Pregnancy should not be discouraged provided close sonographic surveillance is undertaken.

Liver transplantation for recurrent hepatic adenoma

Hepatic adenoma (HA) is a rare indication for liver transplantation (LTx). So far 20 cases of LTx for HA are reported in PubMed. In rare cases HA presents as multiple hepatic adenomas or recurrent adenoma after initial liver resection and in such cases LTx is the only potential cure and prevents the risk of bleeding or cancer transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma. We report the case of a 56 years old lady who underwent a left hepatectomy for giant adenoma in 2005 and resection of segment V-VI for recurrence of liver adenoma in 2007. She developed a second recurrence of HA with 3 new lesions in the right liver in 2008. The patient underwent LTx. After 3 years the patient is alive with no evidence of disease. LTx is indicated in patients with HA in which resection is not technically feasible.

Molecular pathogenesis of hepatic adenomas and its implications for surgical management

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic adenomas (HAs) are benign tumors of the liver, which can be solitary or multiple, and have a definite risk of malignant degeneration.

DISCUSSION

The pathogenesis and natural history of this disease entity were previously unknown. Recent research into the molecular pathogenesis of this condition has provided evidence for the malignant transformation of some of these adenomas. In the current article, we discuss the current evidence on the molecular biology underlying malignant transformation of hepatic adenomas and the implications for the surgical management of this disease.

Pregnancy and liver adenoma management: PALM-study

Background

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in pregnant women requires special considerations because of the risk of hormone induced growth and spontaneous rupture, which may threaten the life of both mother and child. Due to scarcity of cases there is no evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and management of HCA during pregnancy. Most experts advocate that women with HCA should not get pregnant or advise surgical resection before pregnancy. Whether it is justified to deny a young woman a pregnancy, as the biological behavior may be less threatening than presumed depends on the incidence of HCA growth and the subsequent clinical events during pregnancy.

We aim to investigate the management and outcome of HCA during pregnancy and labor based on a prospectively acquired online database in the Netherlands.

Methods/design

The Pregnancy And Liver adenoma Management (PALM) - study is a multicentre prospective study in three cohorts of pregnant patients. In total 50 pregnant patients, ≥ 18 years of age with a radiologically and/or histologically proven diagnosis of HCA will be included in the study. Radiological diagnosis of HCA will be based on contrast enhanced MRI. Lesions at inclusion must not exceed 5 cm. The study group will be compared to a healthy control group of 63 pregnant patients and a group of 63 pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus without HCA. During their pregnancy HCA patients will be closely monitored by means of repetitive ultrasound (US) at 14, 20, 26, 32 and 38 weeks of gestation and 6 and 12 weeks postpartum. Both control groups will undergo US of the liver at 14 weeks of gestation to exclude HCA lesions in the liver. All groups will be asked to fill out quality of life related questionnaires.

Discussion

The study will obtain information about the behaviour of HCA during pregnancy, the clinical consequences for mother and child and the impact of having a HCA during pregnancy on the health related quality of life of these young women. As a result of this study we will propose a decision-making model for the management of HCA during pregnancy.

Trial registration

Dutch trial register: NTR3034

Hepatocellular adenoma: an excellent indication for laparoscopic liver resection

OBJECTIVES

Laparoscopic resection for benign liver disease has gained wide acceptance in recent years and hepatocellular adenoma (HA) seems to be an appropriate indication. This study aimed to discuss diagnosis and treatment strategies, and to assess the feasibility, safety and outcomes of pure laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in a large series of patients with HA.

METHODS

Of 88 patients who underwent pure LLR, 31 were identified as having HA. Diagnosis was based on radiological evaluation and resections were performed for lesions measuring >5.0 cm.

RESULTS

The sample included 29 female and two male patients. Their mean age was 33.2 years. A total of 27 patients had a single lesion, one patient had two and one had four lesions. The two remaining patients had liver adenomatosis. Mean tumour size was 7.5 cm. Three right hepatectomies, 17 left lateral sectionectomies and 11 wedge resections or segmentectomies were performed. There was no need for blood transfusion or conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications occurred in two patients. Mean hospital stay was 3.8 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatocellular adenoma should be regarded as an excellent indication for pure LLR. Pure LLR is safe and feasible and should be considered the standard of care for the treatment of HA when performed by surgeons with experience in liver and laparoscopic surgery.

Can a decision-making model be justified in the management of hepatocellular adenoma?

During recent years, there was a great development in the area of hepatocellular adenomas (HCA), especially regarding the pathological subtype classification, radiological imaging and management during pregnancy. This review discusses the current knowledge about diagnosis and treatment modalities of HCA and proposes a decision-making model for HCA. A Medline search of studies relevant to epidemiology, histopathology, complications, imaging and management of HCA lesions was undertaken. References from identified articles were hand-searched for further relevant articles.

Validation of a liver adenoma classification system in a tertiary referral centre: implications for clinical practice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

A molecular and pathological classification system for hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) was recently introduced and four major subgroups were identified. We aimed to validate this adenoma classification system and to determine the clinical relevance of the subtypes for surgical management.

METHODS

Paraffin fixed liver tissue slides and resection specimens of patients radiologically diagnosed as HCA were retrieved from the department of pathology. Immunostainings included liver-fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), glutamine synthetase (GS) and β-catenin.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2010, 58 cases (71 lesions) were surgically resected. Fourteen lesions were diagnosed as focal nodular hyperplasia with a characteristic map-like staining pattern of GS. Inflammatory HCA expressing CRP and SAA was documented in 36 of 57 adenomas (63%). Three of these inflammatory adenomas were also β-catenin positive as well as GS positive and only one was CRP and SAA and GS positive. We identified eleven L-FABP-negative HCA (19%) and four β-catenin positive HCA (7%), without expression of CRP and SAA and with normal L-FABP staining, one of which was also GS positive. Six HCA were unclassifiable (11%). In three patients multiple adenomas of different subtypes were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Morphology and additional immunohistochemical markers can discriminate between different types of HCA in>90% of cases and this classification, including the identification of β-catenin positive adenomas may have important implications in the decision for surveillance or treatment. Interpretation of nuclear staining for β-catenin can be difficult due to uneven staining distribution or focal nuclear staining and additional molecular biology may be required.

Hepatocellular adenomas: current update on genetics, taxonomy, and management

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are uncommon, benign hepatocellular neoplasms that commonly occur in young women. Recent advances in pathology and cytogenetics have thrown fresh light on the pathogenesis of HCAs leading to classification of HCAs into 3 distinct subtypes, each with a characteristic epidemiology, histopathology, oncogenesis, and imaging findings. The aim of the article was to provide a comprehensive review of contemporary taxonomy of HCAs, with an emphasis on cross-sectional imaging findings and management.

Malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenomas into hepatocellular carcinomas: a systematic review including more than 1600 adenoma cases

BACKGROUND

Malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) into hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) has been reported repeatedly and is considered to be one of the main reasons for surgical treatment. However, its actual risk is currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an estimation of the frequency of malignant transformation of HCAs and to discuss its clinical implications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases: The Cochrane Hepatobiliary Group Controlled Trials Register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven relevant series and 17 case reports (a total of 1635 HCAs) were retrieved, reporting an overall frequency of malignant transformation of 4.2%. Only three cases (4.4%) of malignant alteration were reported in a tumour smaller than 5 cm in diameter.

DISCUSSION

Malignant transformation of HCAs into HCCs remains a rare phenomenon with a reported frequency of 4.2%. A better selection of exactly those patients presenting with an HCA with an amplified risk of malignant degeneration is advocated in order to reduce the number of liver resections and thus reducing the operative risk for these predominantly young patients. The Bordeaux adenoma tumour markers are a promising method of identifying these high-risk adenomas.

Hepatocellular adenoma management and phenotypic classification: the Bordeaux experience

We took advantage of the reported genotype/phenotype classification to analyze our surgical series of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). The series without specific known etiologies included 128 cases (116 women). The number of nodules varies from single, <5, and >or=5 in 78, 38, and 12 cases, respectively. The resection was complete in 95 cases. We identified 46 HNF1alpha-inactivated HCAs (44 women), 63 inflammatory HCAs (IHCA, 53 women) of which nine were also beta-catenin-activated, and seven beta-catenin-activated HCAs (all women); six additional cases had no known phenotypic marker and six others could not be phenotypically analyzed. Twenty-three of 128 HCAs showed bleeding. No differences were observed in solitary or multiple tumors in terms of hemorrhagic manifestations between groups. In contrast, differences were observed between the two main groups. Steatosis (tumor), microadenomas (resected specimen), and additional benign nodules were more frequently observed in HNF1alpha-inactivated HCAs (P < 0.01) than in IHCAs. Body mass index > 25, peliosis (tumor), and steatosis in background liver were more frequent in IHCA (P < 0.01). After complete resection, new HCAs in the centimetric range were more frequently found during follow-up (>1 year) in HNF1alpha-inactivated HCA. After incomplete resection (HCA left in nonresected liver), the majority of HCA remained stable in the two main groups and even sometimes regressed. Six patients of 128 developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (all were beta-catenin-activated, whether inflammatory or not).

CONCLUSION

There were noticeable clinical differences between HNF1alpha-inactivated HCA and IHCA; there was no increased risk of bleeding or HCC related to the number of HCAs; beta-catenin-activated HCAs are at higher risk of HCC. As a consequence, we believe that management of HCA needs to be adapted to the phenotype of these tumors.

Diagnosis and treatment of benign focal liver lesions

BACKGROUND

With the routine use of improved imaging modalities, more benign liver lesions are detected nowadays. An accurate characterization of these incidental lesions may be a challenge, and frequently a biopsy or even unnecessary surgery is being performed. However, these interventions are not always to the benefit of the patient.

METHODS

A Medline search of studies relevant to imaging diagnosis and management of the most common, benign, solid and non-solid liver lesions was undertaken. References from identified articles were handsearched for further relevant articles. The authors' own experiences with benign liver lesions were also taken into account.

RESULTS

Although atypical imaging features are the exception rather than the rule, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and knowledge of their imaging features is essential if unnecessary work-up is to be avoided. The use of tissue-specific contrast media, which has clearly improved the accuracy of highly advanced radiological techniques, may be helpful during differential diagnosis. Once having established an accurate diagnosis, surgery is rarely indicated for a benign liver lesion because of its asymptomatic nature.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of imaging features and a clear management strategy during diagnostic work-up, emphasizing the indications for surgery, will minimize the number of patients who have to undergo biopsy or unnecessary surgery.

Liver cell adenoma: a multicenter analysis of risk factors for rupture and malignancy

BACKGROUND

Liver cell adenoma (LCA) is a benign hepatic tumor with poorly characterized risk for spontaneous rupture and malignant transformation.

METHODS

Records from five tertiary hepatobiliary centers were reviewed for all patients treated for LCA from 1997 to 2006. Clinicopathological data were collected and analyzed, and factors that were associated with rupture and/or malignant transformation were assessed by using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 124 patients were analyzed, of which 8 (6.5%) were men; 119 patients underwent resection, and 5 patients had embolic therapy only. Mean patient age was 39+/-11 years, and 55% had history of hormone use. Rupture occurred in 31 (25%) cases. Ruptured tumors were larger (10.5+/-4.5 cm vs. 7.2+/-4.8 cm; p=0.001), and no tumor <5 cm ruptured. Patients with ruptured LCAs were more likely to require preoperative blood transfusion (32% vs. 9%, p=0.006), preoperative embolization (16% vs. 1%, p=0.021), and major (>or=3 segments) hepatic resection (65% vs. 32%, p=0.003). By multivariate analysis, increasing tumor size (odds ratio (OR), 7.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.2-26.3; p<0.01) and recent (within 6 months) hormone use (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.5-13.3; p<0.01) remained independently associated with risk of rupture. Five cases (4%) had evidence of underlying malignancy, but none had LCA <8 cm in diameter.

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter analysis of patients with LCAs, risk of rupture correlated with increasing tumor size and recent hormone use. Rupture is associated with greater need for preoperative blood transfusion and major hepatic resection. These data suggest that patients with asymptomatic LCAs approaching 4 cm and those requiring hormonal therapy should undergo surgical therapy.

Surgical management of hepatocellular adenoma: take it or leave it?

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular adenoma (HA) is a rare benign tumor of the liver. Surgical resection is generally indicated to reduce risks of hemorrhage and malignant transformation. We sought to evaluate clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of patients with HA at our institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent surgical resection for HA between 1988 and 2007.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were women, and the median age at presentation was 36 years (range, 19-65 years). The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain (70%) followed by incidental radiological finding (17%). Twenty-two patients had a history of oral contraceptive use. Median number of HA was one (range, 1-3). There were 32 open cases (3 trisectionectomy, 15 hemihepatectomy, 7 sectionectomy, 4 segmentectomy, and 3 wedge resection), and 9 laparoscopic cases (1 hemihepatectomy, 5 sectionectomy, 1 segmentectomy, and 2 wedge resection). The median estimated blood loss was 225 mL (range, 0-3400 mL). The median length of stay was 6 days (range, 1-15 days). Surgical morbidities included pleural effusion requiring percutaneous drainage (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 1), and wound infection (n = 1). There was no perioperative mortality. Twelve patients had hemorrhage from HA. Hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in two patients with HA. Median follow-up was 23 months (range, 1-194 months), at which time all patients were alive.

CONCLUSION

In view of 29% hemorrhagic and 5% malignant complication rates, we recommend surgical resection over observation if patient comorbidities and anatomic location of HA are favorable. A laparoscopic approach can be safely used in selected cases.

Life-saving therapy for haemorrhaging liver adenomas using selective arterial embolization

BACKGROUND

Emergency treatment for patients with a ruptured hepatocellular adenoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate management with selective arterial embolization.

METHODS

The study included 11 consecutive patients treated for ruptured hepatocellular adenomas between 2001 and 2006. After initial haemodynamic support, all patients received selective embolization of branches of the hepatic artery. The primary outcome was effectiveness in stopping the bleeding. Secondary outcomes were complications and changes in tumour size after embolization.

RESULTS

A single embolization brought haemorrhaging under control in ten patients; one patient needed three embolizations. None of the patients required emergency surgery. In the follow-up of 19 (range 7-49) months, no general or hepatobiliary complications were observed. All 25 adenomas, including those without signs of haemorrhaging in the same liver lobe, were either smaller or not detectable on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging after embolization, with the median diameter decreasing from 7.0 to 2.5 cm (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Selective embolization of the hepatic artery is a safe and adequate first approach in the management of patients with haemorrhaging hepatocellular adenomas. Furthermore, arterial embolization reduces the size of adenomas in the liver.

Necrosis of a large hepatic tumor after hemorrhage and subsequent selective arterial embolization

This case report describes a young female patient presenting with acute intra-abdominal hemorrhage originating from a large tumor in the liver, most likely a hepatocellular adenoma. The bleeding was stopped by selective embolization of right hepatic artery branches. Subsequently, partial hepatectomy was performed after 6 mo. Macro- and microscopic examination showed complete necrosis and absence of tumorous tissue. The patient was discharged without complications, and subsequent follow-up until 22 mo after resection did not reveal any new lesions in the liver. This case emphasizes the significance of selective arterial embolization in the management of bleeding liver tumors and questions the need for (partial) hepatectomy after this procedure in selective cases.

Giant hepatic adenoma with bone marrow metaplasia not associated with oral contraceptive intake

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular adenomas are the most common benign liver tumors. They are usually related to oral contraceptive intake.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case describes a 58-year-old woman admitted to our institution for a hepatic mass incidentally discovered during a routine examination. The patient, who was never on oral contraceptives, was asymptomatic upon admission. She underwent a thorough diagnostic evaluation and then a hepatic right trisegmentectomy. The histologic evaluation of the mass showed that it was a hepatocellular adenoma with areas of bone marrow metaplasia.

CONCLUSION

Bone marrow metaplasia has rarely been found associated to liver tumors. The presence of marrow-derived hepatic progenitor cells might be the source of both adenoma hepatocytes and bone marrow differentiated cells. To our knowledge, this is only the second case in the English literature in which areas of bone marrow metaplasia were found in a hepatocellular adenoma.

Liver cell adenoma: A case report with clonal analysis and literature review

We report a case of liver cell adenoma (LCA) in a 33-year-old female patient with special respect to its clonality status, pathogenic factors and differential diagnosis. The case was examined by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and a clonality assay based on X-chromosomal inactivation mosaicism in female somatic tissues and polymorphism at androgen receptor focus. The clinicopathological features of the reported cases from China and other countries were compared. The lesion was spherical, sizing 2 cm in its maximal dimension. Histologically, it was composed of cells arranged in cords, most of which were two-cell-thick and separated by sinusoids. Focal fatty change and excessive glycogen storage were observed. The tumor cells were round or polygonal in shape, resembling the surrounding parenchymal cells. Mitosis was not found. No portal tract, central vein or ductule was found within the lesion. The tumor tissue showed a positive reaction for cytokeratin (CK) 18, but not for CK19, vimentin, estrogen and progesterone receptors. Monoclonality was demonstrated for the lesion, confirming the diagnosis of an LCA. Clonality analysis is helpful for its distinction from focal nodular hyperplasia.

Management of hepatocellular adenoma: Solitary-uncomplicated, multiple and ruptured tumors

AIM: While hepatocellular adenomas (HAs) have often been studied as a unique entity, we aimed to better define current management of the various forms of HAs.

METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients operated for solitary-uncomplicated (9), multiple (6), and ruptured (10) HAs were reviewed according to management strategies and outcomes.

RESULTS: All solitary-uncomplicated HAs (ranged 2.2-14 cm in size) were removed. Out of 25 HAs, 2 (8%) included foci of carcinoma. In the multiple HA group, previously undiagnosed tumors were identified during surgery in 5/6 cases. In three cases with multiple spread HA, several lesions had to be left unresected. They remained unmodified after 4-, 6-, and 6-year radiological follow-up. Patients with ruptured HA (ranged 1.7-10 cm in size) were initially managed with hemodynamic support and angiography, allowing the embolization of actively bleeding tumors in two patients. All ruptured tumors were subsequently removed 5.5 d (range 4-70 d) after admission.

CONCLUSION: Tumors suspected of HA, regardless of the size, should be resected, because of high chances of rupture causing bleeding, and/or containing malignant foci. Although it is desirable to remove all lesions of multiple HA, this may not be possible in some patients, for whom long-term radiological follow-up is advised. Ruptured HA can be managed by hemodynamic support and angiography, allowing scheduled surgery.

Liver-cell adenomas with heavy iron deposition

We report 3 unusual cases of liver cell adenomas with some uncommon features, corresponding to 3 women aged 45, 37, and 41 years, respectively. The diagnosis was incidental in 2 cases, and the third presented with abdominal pain. Radiologic findings were consistent with liver-cell adenoma, but gross examination failed to reveal the lesion until 24 hours of formalin fixation in 2 cases. Histopathological examination showed a striking deposition of iron pigment. In fact, Pearl's stain was the best way to visualize the limits of the neoplasm, which were irregular (pseudo-infiltrative). There was no evidence of other architectural or cytologic features suggesting an alternative diagnosis, particularly liver-cell carcinoma. Follow-up ranged from 9 months to 6 years and all patients are free of disease.

Liver cell adenoma and liver cell adenomatosis

During the last three decades liver cell adenoma and liver cell adenomatosis have emerged as new clinical entities in hepato-logical practice due to the widespread use of oral contraceptives and increased imaging of the liver. On review of published series there is evidence that 10% of liver cell adenomas progress to hepatocellular carcinoma, diagnosis is best made by open or laparoscopic excision biopsy, and the preferred treatment modality is resection of the liver cell adenoma to prevent bleeding and malignant transformation. In liver cell adenomatosis, the association with oral contraceptive use is not as high as in solitary liver cell adenomas. The risk of malignant transformation is not increased compared with solitary liver cell adenomas. Treatment consists of close monitoring and imaging, resection of superficially located, large (>4 cm) or growing liver cell adenomas. Liver transplantation is the last resort in case of substantive concern about malignant transformation or for large, painful adenomas in liver cell adenomatosis after treatment attempts by liver resection.

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