Cystic undifferentiated sarcoma of liver in children: a pitfall diagnosis in endemic hydatidosis areas

J Pediatr Surg. 2008 Jun;43(6):E1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.01.068.

Abstract

Undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma (UES) of the liver is a very rare pediatric neoplasm with an aggressive behavior. Multimodal treatment including complete surgical resection and chemotherapy has improved survival. We report a case of UES occurring in a 15-year-old female. Radiographic findings showed a multicystic mass appearance. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was initially presumed. A complete tumor resection after 3 cycles of chemotherapy was performed. Histologically, only 20% of tumor necrosis was noted. Adjuvant chemotherapy was instituted. She remained well at 11 months of follow-up. Cystic appearance is a usual finding in UES. Differential diagnosis with hydatid cyst may be problematic in endemic hydatidosis areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnosis
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echinococcosis, Hepatic / diagnosis
  • Echinococcosis, Hepatic / pathology*
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Endosonography / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepatectomy / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / therapy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sarcoma / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma / pathology*
  • Sarcoma / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tunisia