OBJECTIVETo investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of solitary necrotic nodule of the liver (SNNL).

METHODSFifteen cases were diagnosed as SNNL from June 1999 to December 2005. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, diagnosis and treatment were analyzed with related literature retrospectively.

RESULTSThe patients manifested abdominal pain and discomfort in 7 cases (46.7%), fever in 1 case (6.7%), debilitation in 1 case (6.7%). Lesions were screened as hypoechogenic patterns in B ultrasound, and CT scan confirmed that the lesion appeared slightly hypodense compared with the normal liver parenchyma without detectable enhanced graphic phases. No significant enhancement was on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging study. All of the nodules demonstrated hypointense and isointense signal relative to parenchyma of liver on both T1 and T2-weighted images. Histologically, the lesion composed mainly of coagulative necrosis with a homogeneous periphery, and the central zone had a rough patchy appearance with cellular debris. The coagulative necrosis was surrounded by a thin boundary of collagen fibers with scanty mononuclear, lymphocyte, plasmocyte inflammatory cells and elastic fibers. Preoperative laboratory examinations showed hepatic function slightly abnormal in 3 patients, and AFP level was normal in all patients. Diagnosis of SNNL was established in 4 cases (26.7%) preoperatively. All patients underwent liver resection with no recurrence within 3 months to 6 years follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSPreoperative diagnosis of SNNL can be established via comprehensive analysis of clinical characteristics and imaging findings. Liver resection is the optimal therapeutic approach.