Pregnancy and liver adenoma management: PALM-study

Living-Donor Liver Transplantation for a Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Genetically Identical Twin Sister

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is, to date, the most common malignant tumor of the liver and is commonly staged with the Milan criteria. While deceased-donor liver transplantations (DDLT) are reserved for patients within the Milan criteria, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) might be a curative option for patients outside the Milan criteria. We here report a case of a 32-year-old woman who developed a giant, unresectable HCC out of a hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) after a pregnancy. The genetically identical twin sister donated her left hemi-liver after ethical approval and preoperative screening. No long-term immunosuppressive therapy was necessary, and after more than eight years, both are in perfect health and the recipient gave birth to a second child. This case shows that in certain situations large HCCs outside the standard criteria can be cured by LT. Careful evaluation of both donor and recipient should be performed for indications like this to assure optimal clinical outcome.

Variation in the management of benign liver tumors: A European survey and case vignette study

BACKGROUND

Management of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), is multidisciplinary and subject to practice variation. We aimed to evaluate variation in clinical management of FNH and HCA in Europe.

METHODS

We distributed an online survey (November 2021-March 2022) among 294 European experts. The survey included questions on local practice and included eight clinical vignettes. The clinical vignettes focused on FNH or HCA management in the setting of sex, lifestyle modification, and pregnancy.

RESULTS

The response rate was 32% and respondents included surgeons (38%), gastroenterologists/hepatologists (25%), radiologists (32%), and pathologists (1.6%) from ten European countries. We observed practice variation with regard to lifestyle modification and imaging follow-up in patients with FNH, and with regard to the management of HCA >5 cm before and during pregnancy. Finally, the management of HCA >5 cm after lifestyle modification deviated from EASL guideline recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Our survey illustrates variability in FNH and HCA management in Europe. Several areas were identified for future research and guideline recommendations, including FNH follow-up and the management of HCA >5 cm. We propose the organization of Delphi consensus meetings to prioritize areas of research and update current guidelines to optimize management for all patients with benign liver tumors.

Development of a set of patient reported outcome measures for patients with benign liver tumours and cysts: patient focus groups and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) may be useful for patients with benign liver tumours and cysts (BLTC) to evaluate the impact of treatment and/or guide shared decision making. Yet, a set of PROMs relevant to patients with BLTC is currently unavailable. In this study, we selected a PROMs set for patients with BLTC.

METHODS

Potentially relevant patient reported outcomes (PROs) were selected by psychologist-researchers based on keywords used or suggested by participants of two virtual focus groups meetings consisting of thirteen female BLTC patients with a median age of 50 years. Subsequently, patients were asked to report their most relevant PROs. PROMs identified by systematic literature review and computerized adaptive tests (CATs) in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) were considered in selecting the final PROMs set to assess relevant outcomes.

RESULTS

The most important PROs were: insecurity/anxiety (11/12 patients), pain (9/12 patients), fatigue (8/12 patients), and limitations in daily life (5/12 patients). The literature review included 23 studies, which used various generic and disease-specific PROMs, often not measuring (all) relevant PROs. The final selected PROMs set included numerical rating scales for pain, two questions on overall health and quality of life and four PROMIS CATs.

CONCLUSIONS

A PROMs set generically and efficiently measuring outcomes relevant for patients with BLTC was developed and may be used in future research and clinical practice.

A Scoping Review of the Classification, Diagnosis, and Management of Hepatic Adenomas

BACKGROUND

Hepatic adenomas (HA), or hepatocellular adenomas, are benign, solid liver lesions that develop in otherwise normal livers, often in the setting of increased estrogen levels. While considered a benign tumor, there is a risk for substantial complications such as hemorrhage and malignant transformation. We review the diagnosis, classification, and potential therapeutic management options for patients with HA.

METHODS

A scoping narrative review was conducted based on recent literature regarding classification, diagnosis, and management of HA.

RESULTS

While HAs are typically considered benign, complications such as hemorrhage and malignant transformation may occur in approximately 25% and 5% of patients, respectively. Recent advances in imaging and molecular profiling have allowed for the classification of HAs into subtypes allowing for patient risk stratification that helps guide management. Surgical resection should be considered in asymptomatic patients who are male, have an adenoma ≥5 cm in diameter, or have the β-catenin-activated subtype due to an increased risk of hemorrhage and/or malignant transformation.

CONCLUSION

Molecular profiling has aided in the stratification of patients relative to the risk of complications to predict better the potential behavior of HAs.

Multidisciplinary Simulation Improves Resident Confidence for Pregnant Patients Requiring Surgical Intervention

Introduction: Hepatocellular adenomas are a rare but serious cause of bleeding, which is further complicated by pregnancy. Interprofessional cooperation is a key component of residency education, thus simulations designed to integrate multiple programs are mutually beneficial. This simulation details surgical and obstetric management of a pregnant patient in hemorrhagic shock from a bleeding hepatocellular adenoma. Objectives for the study were to evaluate learners’ confidence to 1) prioritize the care of a pregnant patient with hemoperitoneum and hemorrhagic shock, 2) demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration with other specialties, 3) apply massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in the appropriate clinical setting, and 4) analyze critical decisions for evaluating pregnant females with severe abdominal pain.

Methods: Obstetric, general surgery, and anesthesia residents, along with labor and delivery nurses participated in a simulated clinical scenario that focused on the management of a pregnant patient in hemorrhagic shock. The learners evaluated the educational session using a standard Return on Investment in Learning survey immediately following the session.

Results: A total of 23 residents and medical students gave feedback on the experience. The main learning objectives were met with increased confidence in the four learning objectives by 77.3-95.4% of responders. Overall, greater than 90% of participants felt the simulation was relevant to their training and realistic, with 100% responding that the course provided new, or clarified existing information for them.

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary simulation-based educational intervention was successful in improving learner confidence in managing a complicated surgical emergency in a pregnant patient with inter-residency cooperation.

Chronic Liver Disease in the Obstetric Patient

Chronic liver disease in pregnancy is rare. Historically, many chronic liver diseases were considered contraindications to pregnancy; however, with current monitoring and treatment strategies, pregnancy may be considered in many cases. Preconception and initial antepartum consultation should focus on disease activity, medication safety, risks of pregnancy, as well as the need for additional monitoring during pregnancy. In most cases, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite improving outcomes, pregnancy in women with the chronic liver disease remains high risk.

Interventional radiological management of hepatobiliary disorders in pregnancy

Hepatobiliary disorders are common in pregnancy and pose a management challenge. Minimally invasive interventional radiological (IR) techniques allow safe and effective management of these disorders. However, the available literature is scarce. Radiological interventions in this group of patients mandate a clear understanding of the risks of radiation to the fetus. The IR physician involved in the care of these patients should be aware of the measures to minimize the exposure to ionizing radiation. Additionally, the risk-benefit ratio should be clearly defined in a multidisciplinary discussion involving IR physicians, obstetricians, and gastroenterologists. This review is an effort to address issues related to the application of IR procedures for hepatobiliary disorders in pregnant patients.

Growth of hepatocellular adenoma during pregnancy: A prospective study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The presence of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) in pregnant women requires special consideration, as it has been reported to carry the risk of growth and clinically significant haemorrhage. In this prospective study we assessed aspects of growth of HCA <5 cm during pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a multicentre prospective cohort study in pregnant women with suspected HCA <5 cm on imaging. Definitive HCA diagnosis was established by MRI with hepatobiliary contrast agents (LCE-MRI), preferably before pregnancy. If at study inclusion a definitive diagnosis was lacking, LCE-MRI was performed after giving birth. Growth of the adenoma (defined as an increase of >20%) was closely monitored with ultrasound examinations throughout pregnancy.

RESULTS

Of the 66 women included, 18 were excluded from analysis because postpartum LCE-MRI did not confirm the diagnosis of HCA and showed the lesion to be focal nodular hyperplasia. The remaining 48 women, with an HCA confirmed by LCE-MRI, were followed during 51 pregnancies. Median age was 30 years (IQR 27-33) and median body mass index 31.9 kg/m² (IQR 26.3-36.6). Growth of HCA was seen in 13 of the pregnancies (25.5%); the median increase was 14 mm (IQR 8-19). One woman whose HCA grew to >70 mm successfully underwent transarterial embolization at week 26 of pregnancy to prevent further growth. The other 50 pregnancies proceeded without complications.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that an HCA <5 cm confers minimal risk to a pregnant woman and none to her child. HCA increased in size during a quarter of pregnancies, so we recommend close monitoring with ultrasound examinations, enabling intervention if needed. In light of the large proportion of misdiagnosed HCA, LCE-MRI should be performed to prevent unnecessary anxiety in women with a benign liver lesion.

LAY SUMMARY

The presence of hepatocellular adenoma in pregnant women requires special consideration, as it carries the risk of growth and haemorrhage. In this study we followed 48 patients with hepatocellular adenoma <5 cm during 51 pregnancies and found that a hepatocellular adenoma during pregnancy confers minimal risk to the pregnant woman and none to her child.

Natural history of liver adenomatosis: A long-term observational study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver adenomatosis (LA) is characterized by the presence of at least 10 hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), but the natural history of this rare liver disorder remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to reappraise the natural history and the risk of complications in a cohort of patients with at least 10 HCAs.

METHODS

We analyzed the natural history of 40 patients with LA, excluding glycogen storage disorders, in a monocentric cohort. Pathological examination was performed, with immunostaining and molecular biology carried out on surgical specimens or liver biopsies.

RESULTS

Forty patients (36 female) were included with a median follow-up of 10.6 (1.9-26.1) years. Six (15%) patients had familial LA, all with germline HNF1A mutations. Median age at diagnosis was 39 (9-55) years. Thirty-three (94%) women had a history of oral contraception, and 29 (81%) women had a pregnancy before LA diagnosis. Overall, thirty-seven (93%) patients underwent surgery at diagnosis. Classification of HCAs showed 46% of patients with HNF1A-mutated HCA, 31% with inflammatory HCA, 3% with sonic hedgehog HCA, 8% with unclassified HCA. Only 15% of the patients demonstrated a "mixed LA" with different HCA subtypes. Hepatic complications were identified in 7 patients: 1 patient (3%) died from recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation; 6 (15%) had hemorrhages, of which 5 occurred at diagnosis, with 1 fatal case during pregnancy, and 2 occurred in male patients with familial LA. Four patients (10%) had repeated liver resections. Finally, 4 (10%) patients developed extrahepatic malignancies during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The diversity in HCA subtypes, as well as the occurrence of bleeding and malignant transformation during long-term follow-up, underline the heterogeneous nature of LA, justifying close and specific management. In patients with germline HNF1A mutation, familial LA occurred equally frequently in males and females, with a higher rate of bleeding in male patients.

LAY SUMMARY

Liver adenomatosis is a rare disease characterized by the presence of 10 or more hepatocellular adenomas that may rarely be of genetic origin. Patients with liver adenomatosis have multiple adenomas of different subtypes, with a risk of bleeding and malignant transformation that justify a specific management and follow-up.

Current Approaches in the Management of Hepatic Adenomas

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic adenomas (HAs) are a benign and relatively rare type of liver neoplasms. We review the diagnosis, evaluation, and potential therapeutic management options for patients with HA.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the English literature was performed utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science databases with end of search date the 30th April of 2018. In PubMed, the terms "hepatocellular," "hepatic," "liver," and "adenoma," "adenomatosis" were searched in the title and/or abstract.

RESULTS

Recent advances in molecular classification of HA have determined distinct subtypes with specific clinical, pathological, and imaging characteristics. In general, cessation of exogenous hormonal administration or weight loss may lead to HA regression. Surgical resection, either open or laparoscopic, should be considered in patients with symptoms and risk factors for hemorrhage or malignant transformation. These risk factors include tumor diameter greater than 5 cm, β-catenin activated subtype, and/or male gender. The management of acute hemorrhage should primarily aim at achieving hemodynamic stability via angioembolization followed by elective resection, whereas malignant transformation is treated according to oncologic resection principles. Although pregnancy is one of the known risk factors for tumor growth and associated complications, the presence of an HA per se should not be considered a contradiction to pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Future genomic-based multicenter studies are required to provide a strong basis for formulating an evidence-based risk-adapted model that guides individualized management strategies for patients with HA.

Laparoscopic liver resection for hemorrhagic hepatocellular adenoma in a pregnant patient

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign neoplasm of the liver, however, with a potential for life-threatening hemorrhage. The unpredictable course during pregnancy poses a clinical dilemma in the pregnant patient. Intra-peritoneal rupture may lead to life-threatening situations with adverse outcome for mother and unborn child. A pre-emptive strategy with adequate treatment before pregnancy is strongly advised. However, the strategy for treating symptomatic HCA during pregnancy remains challenging as experience is limited.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 31-year-old pregnant patient at the gestational age of 17 weeks presented with an acute episode of right upper abdomen pain. MR-imaging revealed a lesion of 9 cm located in segment III with stigmata of recent hemorrhage. At 18 weeks of gestation, she underwent a semi-elective laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy.

RESULTS

Surgery and postoperative recovery were uneventful. Patient was discharged at POD +6. At 40 weeks of gestation, she went in spontaneous labor and delivered a healthy baby. Histological examination confirmed a HCA, inflammatory subtype, showing features of hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

In the pregnant patient, HCA represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Anatomically favorable located lesions can be safely managed with laparoscopic liver resection. We suggest that laparoscopic liver resection should be considered as part of the currently available strategies for HCA during pregnancy.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in hepatocellular adenoma: an update of MRI findings

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a generally benign liver tumor with the potential for malignancy and bleeding. HCAs are categorized into four subtypes on the basis of genetic and pathological features: hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-mutated HCA, β-catenin-mutated HCA, inflammatory HCA, and unclassified HCA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnosis, subtype characterization, and detection of HCA complications; it is also used to differentiate HCA from focal nodular hyperplasia. In this review, we present an overview of the genetic abnormalities, oncogenesis, and typical and atypical MRI findings of specific subtypes of HCA using contrast-enhanced MRI with or without hepatobiliary contrast agents (gadobenate dimeglumine and gadoxetate disodium). We also discuss their different management implications after diagnosis.

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.

Outcomes of liver resection in hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

The clinical management of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is still subject to controversy, especially with respect to patient selection for surgery. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the outcomes of surgical intervention.

METHODS

Between January 2008 and September 2012, patients diagnosed with FNH or HCA based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were enrolled in this prospective study. Resection was undertaken in patients with HCA of > 5 cm or symptomatic lesions. Lesion characteristics, extent of liver resection (minor: fewer than three segments; major: three or more segments), morbidity (by Dindo-Clavien class), mortality, postoperative length of stay and symptoms [McGill Pain Questionnaire, including a visual analogue scale (VAS)] were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients (106 female; median age: 39 years) were included; 51 patients had HCA and 59 had FNH. Of the 110 patients, 49 underwent resection (33 HCA patients; 16 FNH patients). Laparoscopic minor resection was performed in five HCA and five FNH patients; open minor resection was performed in 19 HCA and seven FNH patients, and open major resection was performed in nine HCA and four FNH patients. Severe postoperative complications were observed in four patients (Grade III, n = 3; Grade IV, n = 1). Median baseline scores on the VAS were 6 in FNH patients and 7 in HCA patients; the median VAS score after resection was 0 (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

If patients with HCA and FNH require surgery, limited resection can be carried out with low morbidity and without mortality. Patients with preoperative symptoms show a high rate of postoperative symptom relief.

Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Hepatocellular Adenoma around the World Viewed through the Scope of the Immunopathological Classification

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) are benign hepatocellular tumors. The risk of bleeding and malignant transformation of HCA are strong arguments to differentiate HCA from FNH. Despite great progress that has been made in the differential radiological diagnosis of the 2 types of nodules, liver biopsy is sometimes necessary to separate the 2 entities. Identification of HCA subtypes using immunohistochemical techniques, namely, HNF1A-inactivated HCA (35-40%), inflammatory HCA (IHCA), and beta-catenin-mutated inflammatory HCA (b-IHCA) (50-55%), beta-catenin-activated HCA (5-10%), and unclassified HCA (10%) has greatly improved the diagnostic accuracy of benign hepatocellular nodules. If HCA malignant transformation occurs in all HCA subgroups, the risk is by far the highest in the β -catenin-mutated subgroups (b-HCA, b-IHCA). In the coming decade the management of HCA will be more dependent on the identification of HCA subtypes, particularly for smaller nodules (<5 cm) in terms of imaging, follow-up, and resection.

The management of pregnancy in women with hepatocellular adenoma: a plea for an individualized approach

Because of the risk of hormone-induced growth and spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) during pregnancy, special considerations are required. Due to the scarcity of cases, there is no evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and management of HCA during pregnancy. We think it should be questioned if it is justified to discourage pregnancy in all women with HCA. The biological behavior of this benign lesion might be less threatening than presumed and a negative advice concerning pregnancy has great impact on the lives of these young female patients. The balance between the pros and cons of hepatic adenomas and pregnancy should be reconsidered. In our center, pregnancy in women with an HCA up to 5 cm is no longer discouraged in close consultation with the patient, her partner, and members of the liver expert team.