Histologically apparent hepatic hemangioma mimicking fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: Rare case report

Abstract

Hepatic hemangioma is a frequently occurring benign liver lesion detected by imaging. Making a definite diagnosis is difficult because its radiological characteristics can mimic those of hepatic malignancies such as metastatic liver cancer. A 65-year-old female patient complained of a month-long reduction in appetite and abdominal discomfort/distension in the right hypochondriac area. A B-mode ultrasound was suggested for the patient. Ultrasonography revealed a large, poorly defined heterogeneous lesion that occupied the right lobe of the liver entirely. The lesion featured a hyperechoic periphery, an irregular hypoechoic patch in the center, necrosis, and several central coarse calcifications. Vigorous imaging workup was performed using cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography to distinguish hemangioma from other liver lesions.