Treatment of a Non-typical Hepatic Pseudolesion Complicated by Greatly Elevated Alpha Fetoprotein: Case Report and Literature Review

Overview

Journal World J Surg Oncol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties General Surgery
Oncology

Date 2013 Sep 25

PMID 24059753

Citations 1

Authors

Xiao-Long Liu

Ling-Yan Zhang

Fu-Qiang Li

Yong-Hong Liang

Qing-Zhu Wei

Li-Xin Liu

Hai-Yan Cui

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Hepatic pseudolesions detected by helical computed tomography (CT) are not rare, but it is difficult to make a final diagnosis when the hepatic lesion is complicated by the presence of greatly elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP). Clinical treatment of non-typical hepatic pseudolesions complicated by greatly elevated AFP should confirm the diagnosis and minimize trauma.

Case Presentation: Non-invasive procedures including ultrasonography, CT, and micro-invasive digital subtraction angiography could not safely differentiate this lesion from a malignant focus when it was complicated by greatly elevated AFP. Laparoscopic hepatectomy was performed, and pathological analysis showed chronic hepatitis, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver, and mild vascular malformation. The tissue was HbsAg(-), HbcAg(-), and AFP(+).

Conclusion: Heightened awareness of hepatic pseudolesion complicated by primarily elevated AFP will help physicians avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. Hepatic biopsy is inevitable because of greatly elevated AFP. For suspected hepatic pseudolesion with elevated AFP, needle-core biopsy and follow-up surveillance instead of hepatectomy are recommended to find the source of AFP and make a final diagnosis of pseudolesion.

Citing Articles

Alpha-fetoprotein and focal nodular hyperplasia: An unconventional couple.

Carrier P, Guyot A, Debette-Gratien M, Fredon F, Teissier M, Labrousse F JGH Open. 2021; 5(11):1316-1318.

PMID: 34816019 PMC: 8593769. DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12669.

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