Open AccessSarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma mimicking hepatic abscess
Author(s) -
Zheng Yang,
Kun Lv,
Yanan Zhao,
Meiyan Pan,
Chao Zhang,
Shumei Wei
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000022489
Subject(s) - medicine , radiology , hepatocellular carcinoma , magnetic resonance imaging , biopsy , liver abscess , contrast enhanced ultrasound , intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma , pathological , abscess , hepatic abscess , liver biopsy , ultrasound , surgery , pathology
Abstract Rationale: Primary sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (SHC) is a rare subtype of morphologic hepatocellular carcinoma reported on less than 1% of surgical pathology specimens. Herein, we report a rare case of SHC. The case in question was initially misdiagnosed as a liver abscess due to the clinical and radiological similarity between these 2 pathologies. Ultrasound(US)- and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)- guided biopsies are helpful in making an accurate diagnosis under the appropriate biopsy area and angle of puncture. Patient concerns: A 56-year old male presented to our hospital with a 2-month history of dull, upper abdominal pain without radiation. Diagnoses: Upon initial investigation with computed tomography, a cystic mass was found in the hepatic V segment and an infectious etiology was presumed. Further diagnostic examination with CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a hepatic abscess. However, a diagnosis of atypical intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was not excluded. The patient received the standard antibiotic treatment without alleviation of his symptoms. Through 3 diagnostic US-and CEUS-guided biopsies over a 3-month period, the pathological diagnosis of SHC was finally confirmed. Interventions: The patient was diagnosed by 3 diagnostic US-and CEUS-guided biopsies, the pathological diagnosis of SHC was finally confirmed. Outcomes: Due to the delay in diagnosis, the patient was not a candidate for surgical resection, and showed dissemination of the lesion to the portal vein. Therefore, treatment with chemotherapy was initiated. After 4 courses of this regimen, tumor progression was found on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, the patient received immunotherapy and targeted therapy with limited response. The patient passed away 3 months later due to tumor progression. Lessons: A hepatic abscess should be considered as a malignant lesion when clinical symptoms do not resolve upon standard treatment. US- and CEUS- guided biopsies are helpful in making an accurate diagnosis under the appropriate biopsy area and angle of puncture.