Antenatal diagnosis of congenital hepatic hemangioma: a case report

Abstract

Hepatic tumors in children account for only 1 to 5% of all pediatric tumors. Hepatic hemangioma is, however, the third most common tumor of the liver in childhood. We report a case of an antenatal diagnosis of a hepatic tumor detected on a first obstetric ultrasound, at 26th week of gestation. It revealed a complex, predominantly solid hepatic lesion with 3 × 3 cm and a marked, essentially peripheral, Doppler blood flow. Fetal echocardiography showed a normal heart besides a vena cava displacement by the hepatic mass. Fetal Hepatic hemangioma was suspected. Follow-up ultrasounds were unchanged. Pregnancy evolved well. At 36 weeks of gestation was spontaneously delivered a 3300 g boy whose examination revealed a visible thoracoabdominal circulation and a palpable liver. No skin lesions, namely hemangiomas or petechiae were identified. Postnatal magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of Hepatic hemangioma. Treatment was initiated with prednisolone followed by interferon. After 2 years, there is no active lesion.