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Long-term follow-up of a multifocal hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma producing a-fetoprotein
Andrew Fretzayas1, Maria Moustaki, Sofia Kitsiou
13rd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 1 Rimini str Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece.
Insights
A rare cystic hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma in a 6-month-old girl showed a decrease in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) after surgery. This pediatric liver tumor case highlights a favorable long-term outcome with sustained recovery for 20 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
Background:
- Cystic hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma is a rare benign liver tumor in infants.
- Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) can be associated with certain pediatric liver tumors.
- Surgical resection is the primary treatment for symptomatic or large hepatic tumors.
Observation:
- A 6-month-old female infant presented with a large cystic hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma.
- Preoperative serum analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful left lobe hepatectomy and partial right lobectomy.
- Postoperative follow-up demonstrated a marked decline in serum AFP levels.
- The patient has remained clinically well with no recurrence for 20 years post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the efficacy of surgical management for cystic hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma.
- The long-term survival and recovery highlight the generally favorable prognosis of this condition with complete resection.
- Monitoring AFP levels serves as a valuable indicator for treatment response and disease surveillance in pediatric liver tumors.
Abstract:
We here present a 6-month-old girl with cystic hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma and elevated a-fetoprotein (aFP). Following hepatectomy of the left lobe and partial right lobectomy, decline of the serum aFP was observed. The child has been well for 20 years and it is one among a few cases with such a long observational period.
