A case of recurrent hepatic haemangioendothelioma

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2020 Nov;102(9):e1-e3. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.0150. Epub 2020 Jul 31.

Abstract

Hepatic haemangioendothelioma is a rare (1:1,000,000) mesenchymal tumour of the liver of vascular origin. Metastatic malignancies, other primary liver tumours and cholangiocarcinomas all have significantly worse prognoses and may mimic hepatic haemangioendothelioma. Hence, careful pathological assessment with appropriate tumour markers and immunohistochemistry are essential. We present a rare case of recurrence of hepatic haemangioendothelioma after 10 years post-hemihepatectomy. Surgical approaches include liver resection, liver transplantation and ablative techniques with chemotherapy and radiotherapy reserved for patients where a surgical approach is not possible. Hepatic haemangioendothelioma has an unpredictable course that is generally indolent and it is associated with a significantly better long-term survival. Consequently, it is important that these tumours are recognised and the approach to the diagnosis should be methodical. Owing to the protracted course of the disease, a prolonged duration of surveillance and an aggressive approach towards disease recurrence are essential for long-term survival.

Keywords: Haemangioendothelioma; Hepatic; Liver; Recurrent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hemangioendothelioma / diagnosis*
  • Hemangioendothelioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioendothelioma / pathology
  • Hemangioendothelioma / surgery
  • Hepatectomy
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed