[Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver. A case report]

One case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) of the liver is reported. The problems of a correct diagnosis of this unusual type of vascular tumor are discussed. A final diagnosis can be established only by histologic examination of appropriate material and may be helped by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural examination. Tumor cells are vasoformative and synthesized Factor VIII-related antigen. The accurate diagnosis of EHE of the liver is of clinical and therapeutic relevance, for the favourable prognosis, also without therapy, nevertheless liver transplantation represents in selected cases (patients exhibiting a rapidly progressive liver failure) the only possible treatment. The case studied in our Department is very interesting, because it represents a summary of knowledge regarding this type of neoplasm in a 20-year period.