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Published on: June 5, 2014
Yolk sac tumor of the liver in an infant: A case report
Sara Ez-Zaky1, Salma Marrakchi1, Sara Essetti1
1Pediatric Radiology Department, Children's Hospital,Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
Insights
This case report highlights an extremely rare pediatric liver yolk sac tumor. Imaging and biopsy are crucial for diagnosing these rare hepatic masses, even in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are germ cell tumors that can arise in extragonadal sites, including the liver.
- Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein is a common marker for YSTs.
- Hepatic YSTs are exceptionally rare, particularly in pediatric patients.
Observation:
- A 14-month-old male infant presented with abdominal pain and distension.
- Abdominal ultrasound and CT scans revealed complex hepatic masses with necrosis.
- Surgical resection was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a yolk sac tumor.
- The tumor exhibited lobulated contours and areas of necrosis on imaging.
- Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels, though not explicitly stated as elevated in the abstract, are typically associated with YSTs.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses like hepatic yolk sac tumors in pediatric patients with abdominal masses.
- Multimodality imaging, including ultrasound and CT, plays a crucial role in the initial detection and characterization of these tumors.
- Biopsy and histological confirmation remain essential for definitive diagnosis and guiding treatment strategies for pediatric hepatic neoplasms.
Abstract:
Yolk sac tumors can occur in various extragonadal sites, including the hepatobiliary tract, and are often associated with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein. We report the case of a 14-month-old male infant presenting with abdominal pain and distension. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans of the abdomen revealed contiguous hepatic masses with lobulated contours, containing areas of necrosis. The patient underwent surgical resection, and histological studies confirmed the diagnosis of a yolk sac tumor. The occurrence of a yolk sac tumor in the liver is extremely rare. Ultrasound and cross-sectional imaging can be highly effective in diagnosing these tumors when combined with biopsy procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Although rare, yolk sac tumors of the liver should be considered a differential diagnosis for hepatic masses.
