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Hepatic choriocarcinoma in a neonate: MR appearance
1Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Republic of Korea.
Insights
This case report details magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of hepatic choriocarcinoma in a neonate. The study highlights characteristic MR imaging features of liver tumors in infants, including hemorrhage and enhancement patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Hepatic choriocarcinoma is a rare germ cell tumor presenting in infants.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on characteristic imaging findings.
Observation:
- A 2-week-old infant presented with two distinct liver masses.
- Imaging revealed heterogeneous signal intensity, suggestive of subacute hemorrhage and central necrosis.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated hyperintense lesions on T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, indicating hemorrhage.
- Post-gadolinium imaging showed peripheral enhancement of the tumor nodules.
- These findings were observed despite the mother's normal beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of MRI in diagnosing neonatal liver tumors.
- Understanding these specific imaging characteristics aids in differentiating hepatic choriocarcinoma from other pediatric liver masses.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for timely intervention in infants with hepatic malignancies.
Abstract:
We present the MR findings of hepatic choriocarcinoma in a 2-week-old infant. Two masses of heterogeneous signal intensity were evident; one was an extensive mass on the left side of the liver and the other was a "daughter" nodule in the right lobe. Peripheral portions of the masses were hyperintense on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) suggesting subacute hemorrhage. Central portions of the masses were hypointense on T1WI and bright on T2WI. T1-weighted postgadolinium imaging showed peripheral enhancement of both tumor nodules. The infant's mother had normal serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels and pelvic CT.