e295 Hepatic resection for giant haemangioma
Hepatic resection for giant haemangioma in a patient with a
contemporaneous adult polycystic liver disease
G.B. Levi Sandri, Q. Lai, F. Melandro, N. Guglielmo, M. Garofalo, V. Morabito, C. Cirelli
2
, P. Lucatelli
2
,
M. Di Laudo
1
, M. Rossi
1
, P.B. Berloco
1
1
Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy;
2
Department of Radiolo-
gical Sciences, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
Case report
Clin Ter 2012; 163 (5):295-296
Correspondence: Dott. Giovanni Battista Levi Sandri, Department of General Surgery and Organ Transplantation, ‘Sapienza’ University of
Rome, Umberto I Policlinic of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy. E-mail: gblevisandri@gmail.com
Copyright © Società Editrice Universo (SEU)
Introduction
Adult polycystic liver disease (APCLD) is a genetically
related condition characterized by multiple variably-sized
cysts lined by cuboidal epithelium involving the liver: (1)
the first description of this pathology was made by Bristo-
we in 1856 (2). The effective prevalence of this disease is
unknown: typically, APCLD is asymptomatic and it is dia-
gnosed incidentally. (3) Liver disease is often obscured by
accompanying adult polycystic kidney disease (4). Rarely,
Abstract
Hepatic resection for giant haemangioma in a patient with a
contemporaneous adult polycystic liver disease. According to Gigot
classification, and to the characteristics of haemangioma surgery in
these patients can be considered safe. We report the case of a 55 year-
old man affected by an adult polycystic liver disease (PCLD) and a
contemporaneous symptomatic haemangioma of the III segment.
At the preoperative imaging scans, APCLD was classified in a type
II grading according to Gigot classification. The patient underwent
surgery: a wedge resection of the III segment with the exportation of
the haemangioma and a fenestration of a large cyst placed in the VIII
segment were performed. Post-operative course was regular and the
patient was discharged uneventfully in post-operative 9th day, with a
total regress of the initial symptoms. APCLD and haemangioma are
two benign conditions that do not require surgery except if they cause
important symptoms, such as pain. The good clinical conditions of the
patient, the moderate gravity of the APCLD and the particular exofitic
localisation of the cavernous haemangioma gave us the possibility
to make a safe surgery for the patient. To the best of our knowledge,
this is the first case reported in literature in which a liver resection for
haemangioma in patient with APCLD was performed. In conclusion,
liver resection for haemangioma is not contraindicated, mainly if it is
symptomatic, even in the contemporaneous presence of an APCLD.
Clin Ter 2012; 163(5):295-296
Key words: benign disease, haemangioma, hepatectomy, liver
function, polycystic liver disease
APCLD evolves in a symptomatic hepatomegaly and could
require a surgical treatment, even liver transplantation (5).
Liver haemangioma is a well-know benign liver tumour: (6)
it is the most common tumour of the liver, being reported
in 1-7% of world population (7). Haemangiomas with a
diameter superior to 4 cm are called giant haemangiomas,
commonly resulting as symptomatic abdominal masses: in
these well selected cases, surgery represents the therapy of
choice (8).
Case report
We report the case of a 55 year-old Caucasian man affec-
ted by APCLD, admitted to our centre for abdominal pain.
The patient presented a conserved hepatic function, tumour
and viral markers resulted negative. The patient had no other
pathology or risk factor for surgery. Computer tomography
and magnetic resonance scans showed a 15-cm haemangio-
ma involving the III hepatic segment (Fig. 1).
Basing on pre-operative imaging, APCLD was classified
in a type II grading, according to Gigot classification, (9)
showing a diffuse involvement of liver parenchyma by me-
dium sized cysts with remaining large areas of non-cystic pa-
renchyma. The patient underwent surgery: a wedge resection
of the III segment with the exportation of the haemangioma
and a fenestration of a large cyst placed in the VIII segment
were performed (Fig. 2).
A 18x14x8 cm cavernous haemangioma was described
at pathology (Fig. 3).
Post-operative course was regular and the patient was
discharged uneventfully in post-operative 9th day, with a
total regression of the initial symptoms. Currently, after 2
years of follow-up, the patient is alive with an optimal liver
function.
Discussion
APCLD and haemangioma are two benign conditions
that do not require surgery except if they cause important