A Rare Autopsy Case of Aggressive Combined Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma with Stem Cell Features in A 59-Year-Old Female

Abstract

Abstract Introduction/Objective Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a rare liver tumor with histologic and phenotypic features of both hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. It is believed to arise from hepatic progenitor cells. It consists of intermingled malignant biliary and hepatic tissue and thus is a distinct entity, rather than two separate coexisting malignancies. Methods/Case Report A 59-year-old female with a history of hepatitis C and cirrhosis presented with abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and altered mental status. She developed hematemesis and went into cardiac arrest. Massive transfusion and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were initiated. She was intubated, and an esophageal/gastric balloon was placed. She then underwent a procedure to relieve portal hypertension and related gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite extensive interventions, her condition continued to deteriorate. She expired one day after her initial presentation. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) At autopsy, the liver was diffusely and markedly fibrotic with numerous nodules of varying size with invasion into adjacent vasculature. Microscopic examination of the nodules revealed cHCC-CC with stem cell features and lymphovascular invasion. Further examination revealed tumor emboli scattered throughout the right lung. The patient’s history of chronic hepatitis C may have contributed to the development of her cHCC-CC. Although gross appearance resembled cirrhosis, upon microscopic inspection the nodules showed excessive tumor burden. Ultimately the patient had end stage liver disease due to the accumulation of damage and consequent fibrosis. This led to portal hypertension with subsequent massive gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic shock, and death. Conclusion cHCC-CC is a rare aggressive primary liver tumor with a poor prognosis. It can present with a cirrhotomemetic pattern with small nodules that can evade clinical and radiographic detection. Autopsy findings can provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis and clinical course of cHCC-CC, highlight the aggressive nature of the disease, and may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Accurate diagnosis of this tumor is important for patient management and prognostication.