Korean J Pediatr.  2005 Jun;48(6):660-664.

A Case of Infantile Hemangioendothelioma of the Liver Treated with Hepatic Embolization and Lobectomy

• Kim JS
• Moon SK
• Yoon HS
• Lee TS

Abstract

Infantile hemangioendothelioma (IHE) of the liver is the most common vascular tumor in infants before the age of 6 months. It is a histologically benign tumor with potentially life-threatening complications. The clinical manifestations are variable, ranging from asymptomatic forms to intractable high-output heart failure. In addition, abdominal mass, intraperitoneal hemorrhage due to rupture of mass, respiratory distress, hematologic abnormalities and jaundice can occur. Diagnostic work-up is through doppler ultrasound sonography, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. Treatment consists of medical treatment, interventional therapy, surgical resection and liver transplantation. We experienced symptomatic IHE in a premature neonate who presented with high output heart failure and respiratory distress. Initial medical treatment and steroid therapy failed to improve his condition. Coil embolization of left hepatic artery resulted in improvement of respiratory symptoms. However, a left lobectomy was performed because the mass size was not decreased with development of collateral vessels. The infant was well, after a successful discharge from the hospital.

Keyword

Infantile hemangioendothelioma; Coil embolization; Lobectomy; Liver

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Embolization, Therapeutic
Heart Failure
Hemangioendothelioma*
Hemorrhage
Hepatic Artery
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Jaundice
Liver Transplantation
Liver*
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Rupture
Ultrasonography