Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macroscopic Fat Metamorphosis: A Case Series

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world, with hepatitis B and C as its main causes. HCC can have fat metamorphosis which leads to a better prognosis, though this is more commonly found in lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter, and usually contains intravoxel fat. In this case series, we present three cases of HCC with macroscopic fat metamorphosis as examined using CT scan and MRI. Macroscopic fat is seen using CT as a hypodense mass with attenuation of −10 to −100 HU, or MRI using fat-saturation technique. Intravoxel fat can be seen on MRI using fat saturation chemical shift technique, appearing as signal loss during opposed phase and increased signal during in-phase. The differential diagnoses of HCC with fat metamorphosis are angiomyolipoma, hepatic adenoma, nodular steatosis, focal nodular hyperplasia, dysplastic nodule, liposarcoma, and hepatic metastasis. Enhancement patterns of the fat and non-fat component; intra-tumoral fat distribution; the presence of cirrhosis; the presence of atoll sign; and history of viral hepatitis are useful clues for differentiation of HCC with other differential diagnoses.

From an Incidental Finding to an Emergent Treatment: A Case Report of a Hepatic Adenomatosis and Large Ruptured Hepatic Adenoma

Introduction. Hepatic adenoma is an uncommon benign liver tumor presenting as solitary lesions or even rarely as hepatic adenomatosis. Large lesions carry a risk of rupture, hemorrhage, and malignant transformation. This case report aims to increase awareness about risk factors for hepatic adenomas, considering the increasing prevalence of obesity and the widespread use of oral contraceptive pills. Case Presentation. A 20-year-old obese female who was taking oral contraceptive pills for seven years presented to the emergency department with vomiting and abdominal pain caused by gastroenteritis. On imaging, multiple hepatic adenomas, including two lesions 6 and 9 cm in diameter, were incidentally found. During the hospitalization, the patient suddenly developed acute anemia and rupture of the largest lesion, which was promptly treated with arterial embolization. Discussion. Obesity and exposure to hormones are well-known risk factors for hepatic adenomas. The incidence of hepatic adenomas is steadily increasing because of the prevalence of obesity, especially among females. Lifestyle interventions for weight loss and discontinuation of oral contraceptive pills are considered a conservative treatment of hepatic adenomas. Large lesions possess the risk of malignant transformation and rupture and require surgical excision.