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Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver demonstrating peripheral calcification in a 12-year-old boy
Michael A Steiner1, Henry W Giles
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Mississippi, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. msteine4@gmail.com
Insights
Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver, a rare benign liver tumor, typically affects young children. This report details an unusual case in a 12-year-old boy, highlighting a unique presentation of this rare entity.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver (MHL) is a rare benign hepatic tumor.
- It predominantly affects infants and young children, with most cases presenting before age 3.
Observation:
- This report describes an atypical case of MHL in a 12-year-old boy.
- The patient's advanced age and the presence of calcifications on CT scan were unique features.
Findings:
- The case highlights the variability in MHL presentation, extending beyond the typical pediatric demographic.
- Calcifications on CT imaging can be a feature in atypical MHL cases.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of MHL.
- It underscores the importance of considering MHL in older children with liver masses, even with atypical imaging findings.
- Further research into the natural history and imaging characteristics of MHL across different age groups is warranted.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver is a rare benign hepatic tumor that typically presents in the first 2 years of life. Approximately 85% of affected children present before the age of 3 years and less than 5% present after the age of 5 years. Although spontaneous regression has been reported in this benign tumor, most mesenchymal hamartomas gradually increase in size and can reach enormous proportions. We present an atypical case of mesenchymal hamartoma in a 12-year-old boy. The boy's age and presence of calcifications on CT demonstrate a unique presentation of this rare entity.
