Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the liver diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography

Intern Med. 2009;48(24):2083-6. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.2133.

Abstract

Perivascular epithelioid cell (PEC) is a unique cell which expresses both myogenic and melanocytic markers, and forms PEComa. A 36-year-old woman presented with a 35 mm-diameter liver tumor. MRI showed poor fat component in the tumor. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography using the newly developed enhancing reagent, Sonazoid, clearly demonstrated early-phase enhancement of the tumor and rapid drainage of the reagent to veins, suggesting a PEComa. Lateral segmentectomy of the liver was performed. Histologically, epithelioid tumor cells around the vessels were immunostained with both HMB-45 and alpha-smooth muscle actin, confirming the diagnosis of PEComa. No recurrence has been found for 18 months following the operation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contrast Media
  • Female
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Humans
  • Iron
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Oxides
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / surgery
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Sonazoid
  • Iron