Multifocal hepatic hemangioendothelioma

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatic hemangioendothelioma is a rare benign tumor in children, which frequently occurs in the first year of life. The clinical presentation is variable and the diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, and laboratory and imaging studies. The objective was to describe a case of multifocal hepatic hemangioendothelioma.

Clinical report: 3-month-old girl who presented hepatomegaly without elements of hepatic or heart failure. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan were used to diagnose hepatic hemangioendothelioma, which was confirmed by CT abdominal angiography. The patient received glucocorticoid treatment at high doses for a prolonged period. A year and a half after treatment, there was evidence of tumor remission. She had side effects from the established treatment.

Conclusions: In asymptomatic patients with isolated hepatomegaly, it should be considered a probable tumor pathology, considering the clinic and imaging studies. Possible complications and treatments risks must always be assessed. In this case, the tumor extension and its probable complications justified the use of prolonged corticosteroid therapy at high doses despite its adverse effects.