Spontaneous Regression Of A Putative Childhood Hepatoma: A Reappraisal
American Journal of Diseases of Children 125(4): April 1973; 596-598
View Original Source →Abstract
Cystic mesenchymal hamartoma is a benign liver tumor primarily affecting infants. Almost all recorded cases have been excised, with occasional morbidity or mortality. A case which was treated conservatively (the tumor was considered unresectable) in whom spontaneous regression with calcification was documented using ultrasound is presented.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
A 5 1/2-month-old white boy
Clinical Characteristics
Anemia, large abdominal mass, large firm right abdominal mass extended from the costal margin to the pelvis, spleen palpable 3 centimeters below the left costal margin, admission hemoglobin was 10 gm/100 ml but fell to 7.4 gm/100 ml by the fourth hospital day, total bilirubin was 0.6 mg/100 ml, large non-calcified right upper quadrant mass displacing the stomach and intestines to the left, dark red, richly vascular tumor which appeared to occupy completely the massively enlarged liver
Remission Characteristics
Liver had decreased remarkably in size two years after surgery, development of dense mottled calcification in the right lobe of the liver at 21 months of age, increase in the density of the calcifications at age 8 years, contraction and increased density in the right upper quadrant calcifications in adulthood
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Wedge biopsy, surgery
Additional Notes
Original biopsy material has been reclassified as a vascular tumor, probably a variant of hemangioendothelioma. The patient is now 25 years old, in good health and gainfully employed. He has had difficulty in obtaining health insurance because of his past history.