Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation: Clinical and Imaging Findings in Five Patients.
10.3348/jkrs.2008.58.1.65
- Author:
Seong Hoon PARK
1
;
Myeong Jin KANG
;
Jin Han CHO
;
Jin Hwa LEE
;
Seong Kook YOON
;
Jong Yeong OH
;
Sung Wook LEE
;
Sang Young HAN
;
Jin Sook JEONG
;
Kyeong Jin NAM
Author Information
1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Korea. gfcibong@hotmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Carcinoma, hepatocellular;
Liver neoplasms;
Carcinoma, neuroendocrine
- MeSH:
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular;
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine;
Gallbladder;
Humans;
Liver Neoplasms;
Lymph Nodes;
Neoplasm Metastasis;
Portal Vein
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
2008;58(1):65-71
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and imaging findings of hepatocellular carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation, which is an extremely rare variant of hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected five patients who had histopathologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation, and described morphologic feature, enhancement pattern of tumors, extrahepatic manifestation and clinical findings. RESULTS: At CT, the tumor size ranged from 8 to 17 cm (mean : 12 cm) in maximum diameter. The tumor margin was well-defined and smooth in four patients and all tumors were heterogeneously hypoattenuating. Four tumor showed rim enhancement on arterial and portal phases. Local invasion to the portal vein, intrahepatic duct and gallbladder were seen. Extrahepatic manifestations included hepatic metastases, lymph node metastasis. At ultrasonography, the tumor showed heterogeneously hyperechoic in all patients and hypoechoic rim was found in four patients. Of four patients who were followed up, one survived for 16 months after initial diagnosis, while the other three died within 3 months after initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION: As described above, clinical and imaging findings of hepatocellular carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation were not specific. However, this rare variant of hepatocellular carcinoma could be considered when hepatic tumor is found in an advanced stage and shows persistent rim enhancement at CT.
