Ioana Maria Lambrescu1, Sorina Martin2, Luminita Cima1, Vlad Herlea3, Corin Badiu4, Simona Fica2. 1. Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, PhD student, Bucharest, Romania. 2. Endocrinology Department Elias University Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. 3. Pathology Department, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania. 4. National Institute of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumour (PHNET) is a very rare disease. The liver represents the preferential site for neuroendocrine tumors' metastases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year old Caucasian female who presented with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, accompanied by diffuse abdominal pain was found to have on contrast-enhanced computer tomography an encapsulated, partially cystic liver mass. The patient underwent an uneventful left atypical hepatic resection. Histopatological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a slowly growing (G1) hepatic neuroendocrine tumour. Post surgery, the specific neuroendocrine markers (serum Chromogranin A and 24h urinary 5 hydroxy-indolacetic acid) were within normal range. Further functional imaging investigations were performed. No other lesions were found making probable the diagnosis of PHNET. The patient is presently after 4 years of follow-up with no local recurrence or distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of PHNET is a medical challenge that requires a thorough long term follow-up in order to exclude an occult primary neuroendocrine tumour.
BACKGROUND: A primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumour (PHNET) is a very rare disease. The liver represents the preferential site for neuroendocrine tumors' metastases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year old Caucasian female who presented with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, accompanied by diffuse abdominal pain was found to have on contrast-enhanced computer tomography an encapsulated, partially cystic liver mass. The patient underwent an uneventful left atypical hepatic resection. Histopatological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a slowly growing (G1) hepatic neuroendocrine tumour. Post surgery, the specific neuroendocrine markers (serum Chromogranin A and 24h urinary 5 hydroxy-indolacetic acid) were within normal range. Further functional imaging investigations were performed. No other lesions were found making probable the diagnosis of PHNET. The patient is presently after 4 years of follow-up with no local recurrence or distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of PHNET is a medical challenge that requires a thorough long term follow-up in order to exclude an occult primary neuroendocrine tumour.
Authors: S O Dima; T Dumitrascu; C Pechianu; R T Grigorie; V Brasoveanu; A Sorop; I Lupescu; R Purnichescu-Purtan; A Croitoru; N Bacalbasa; A Tanase; D R Tomescu; V Herlea; I Popescu Journal: Acta Endocrinol (Buchar) Date: 2018 Jul-Sep Impact factor: 0.877