DIFFUSE INFANTILE HEPATIC HEMANGIOENDOTHELIOMA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma (IHHE) is the most common benign hepatic tumor in children (12% of hepatic tumors), that usually responds well to therapy and has low mortality rates. In extremely rare cases of diffuse tumors resistant to therapy, size and blood flow can lead to cardiorespiratory failure and death. A 3-month-old male infant presented with respiratory infections and an abdominal mass, with frequent broncho-obstructive attacks. The CT, MRI and DSA exams showed typical morphology of hemangiendothelioma that was proven on histopathological biopsy. The tumor was resistant to standard medical therapy, and its volume led to cardiopulmonary arrest and death at 13 months of age. In rare cases of diffuse therapy-resistant IHHE a liver transplantation should be considered as an earlier treatment.