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Focal Nodular Hyperplasia in children presenting as acute Cholecystitis

Fahad Al Shehri1

  • 1Consultant Radiologist, Head of Radiology Department, Sulaiman Al Habib, Al Qassim.

International Journal of Health Sciences
|April 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A 10-year-old girl with epigastric pain was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and a liver mass. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) confirmed focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), a rare benign liver condition in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, often presenting with abdominal pain.
  • Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a rare, benign liver lesion, typically found in adults but occasionally seen in children.
  • Distinguishing FNH from other hepatic masses is crucial for appropriate management.

Observation:

  • A 10-year-old female presented with epigastric pain and sonographic findings suggestive of acute cholecystitis.
  • Subsequent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed a focal liver mass.
  • Liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH).

Findings:

  • Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) can present atypically in children, mimicking other conditions like acute cholecystitis.
  • Advanced imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) and MRI are vital for diagnosing hepatic masses in pediatric patients.
  • MRI can often provide a definitive diagnosis of FNH, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.

Implications:

  • Early and accurate diagnosis of FNH in children is essential to prevent unnecessary interventions.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare liver conditions in pediatric patients presenting with abdominal symptoms.
  • Utilizing advanced imaging modalities like MRI can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes for pediatric liver masses.

Keywords:
Focal nodular hyperplasiaMRIultrasound

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