Hepatic angiomyolipoma

Hepatic angiomyolipoma is a rare, benign, hepatic mesenchymal neoplasm found in both males and females, and most commonly in adult females. Angiomyolipoma occurs most commonly in the kidneys. The liver represents the second most frequent site of involvement. Hepatic angiomyolipomas are composed of varying amounts of smooth muscle cells, adipose tissue, and vessels. The smooth muscle cell component is the most specific to the diagnosis. The smooth muscle cells can have varying morphologies and are positive for homatropine methylbromide-45 but are negative for hepatocyte paraffin 1 and S100 protein. The definitive diagnostic study remains the histologic examination of the surgically resected lesion coupled with immunohistochemical stains. The differential diagnosis includes hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic adenoma, leiomyoma, hepatoblastoma, melanoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor. The immunohistochemical staining pattern differentiates this lesion from other malignant and benign liver lesions. If the diagnosis of hepatic angiomyolipoma has been made, it can be followed conservatively or surgically resected.