[Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver]

The differential diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver (FNH) encompasses a variety of hepatic mass lesions with differing prognosis and therapy. Ten patients with FNH confirmed by histology form the basis of this review of the pathogenesis, the clinical features and of diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. - FNH is usually diagnosed fortuitously in women of childbearing age. It is considered to be a reactive process rather than a true neoplasia, and its biological behaviour seems to be modified by female sex steroids. In contrast to liver cell adenoma, rupture and bleeding are exceptional. For the diagnosis of FNH a combination of dynamic computed tomography and 99mTc sulphur colloid liver scintigraphy is most reliable, whereas ultrasonography lacks specificity. Once the diagnosis of FNH is established, surgery usually is unnecessary.