Rapid disappearance of hepatic adenoma after contraceptive withdrawal

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2001 Sep;33(3):234-6. doi: 10.1097/00004836-200109000-00015.

Abstract

We present the case of a 25-year-old woman who developed a large central liver adenoma after 8 years of continuous oral contraceptive use. The first diagnosis was made by ultrasonography, after a rise in plasmatic gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase levels was noted. Withdrawal of the oral contraceptive was followed by shrinkage of the adenoma, with complete disappearance 9 months after the diagnosis. Hepatic adenoma (HA) still presents problems in terms of differential diagnosis and clinical management. There are reports of complete or partial regression of an HA after discontinuation of oral contraceptives, but they are poorly documented. To our knowledge, a patient with such rapid disappearance of a large HA has never been reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / chemically induced*
  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / administration & dosage
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / adverse effects*
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination / administration & dosage
  • Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Combined
  • Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination