Multiple telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia: vascular abnormalities

The aim of this study was to look for vascular abnormalities in the liver of patients with multiple telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia. Four patients, all women on oral contraceptives, were included in this study. In none of the cases was the diagnosis of multiple telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia made preoperatively. In the nodules, the pathological aspect was quite characteristic with dilated sinusoidal areas surrounding compact areas. Compact areas comprised portal tract-like structures with vessels, mainly thickened arteries, usually amidst an inflammatory reaction. A ductular reaction of varied intensity was present in three cases. The non-nodular liver was grossly normal. However, in rare areas, there were obvious or minor vascular abnormalities looking like minimal abnormalities seen inside telangiectatic nodules. These results seem to support the concept that multiple telangiectatic focal nodular hyperplasia is a non-specific reaction to focal ischemia induced by various mechanisms such as hepatic vein thrombosis induced, perhaps, by oral contraceptives.