Abstract
BackgroundRing calcification in hepatocellular carcinoma is extremely rare. Untreated hepatocellular carcinoma occasionally includes calcified lesions. Here, we report a case of ring-calcified hepatocellular carcinoma.Case presentationA 60-year-old man with a hepatic tumor was referred to Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital. He had a history of chronic hepatitis C. Computed tomography showed a liver tumor 20 mm in diameter in segment 6 of the Couinaud classification, with ring calcification. Based on this uncommon imaging presentation and the patient’s past exposure to the definitive hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis, he was preoperatively diagnosed with echinococcosis. Partial hepatectomy was performed as a radical treatment for echinococcosis. A final diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed based on pathological findings. The patient was discharged uneventfully.ConclusionThe presentation of an extremely rare hepatocellular carcinoma with ring calcification may be disguised as hydatid disease.
Highlights
Ring calcification in hepatocellular carcinoma is extremely rare
The presentation of an extremely rare hepatocellular carcinoma with ring calcification may be disguised as hydatid disease
Calcification of untreated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is less common than fibrolamellar carcinoma [4,5,6], metastatic liver tumor, or hemangioma [6, 7]
Summary
Calcification of untreated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported in 3.3–25.0% of HCC cases [1,2,3,4]. Calcification of untreated HCC is less common than fibrolamellar carcinoma [4,5,6], metastatic liver tumor, or hemangioma [6, 7]. Ill-defined patterns are associated with metastatic liver tumors. Ring calcification was observed in the tumor (Fig. 1a). Biochemical analysis of the echinococcus antibody was negative, the patient’s unusual past engagement in red fox hunting in the Hokkaido area led to an association with echinococcosis. Based on this unusual environment factor and the characteristic ring calcification, a preoperative diagnosis of echinococcosis was made. The patient was discharged uneventfully from our hospital on postoperative day 10 and has survived for 9 years without recurrence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
