"Pseudotumoral" hepatic pattern in acute alcoholic hepatitis: a case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Aug 28;15(32):4070-4. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.4070.

Abstract

In acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), a "pseudotumoral" appearance of the liver parenchyma on computed tomography (CT) scan has been reported. The main findings are hypervascularized areas closely similar to those observed in large hepatocellular carcinomas. We report a case of a patient affected by AAH with an unusual appearance of these "pseudotumoral" areas on CT scan, close resembling a metastatic cancer rather than a primary hepatocellular carcinoma. In fact, in contrast with previous reports, the picture was characterized by the presence of many inhomogeneous, hypoattenuated areas highlighted during both pre- and post-contrast phases. Moreover, we report the first description of "pseudotumoral" lesions on ultrasound scan. This patient was successfully treated with corticosteroids, even if many controversies still exist regarding their efficacy in this setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hepatitis, Alcoholic / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis, Alcoholic / diagnostic imaging
  • Hepatitis, Alcoholic / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones