Infantile hemangioendothelioma of the liver in a Nigerian newborn: A case report

Abstract

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma is the most common benign vascular tumor of the liver in infancy and it is the most likely of all hepatic tumors to present with symptoms early in life, presenting in the first 6 months of life. It may present with life-threatening complications such as congestive cardiac failure and thrombocytopenia. As a way of creating awareness to the existence of this rare condition in our environment, we report a case of symptomatic hemangioendothelioma in a newborn and challenges that can be encountered during management in a resource poor-setting. Baby OA is a 22-day-old female neonate who presented with an abdominal mass noted at birth. Diagnosis was made based on clinical findings and results of abdominal ultrasound scan and computerized tomography scan which were in keeping with a hepatic hemangioendothelioma. She was treated with oral prednisolone, propranolol, and aggressive supportive treatment with blood and platelet concentrate transfusions. Her management was hampered by challenges in obtaining a histologic diagnosis, financial constraints, and unavailability of wider therapeutic options. She has been discharged and is being followed-up at the out-patient clinics. Hemangioendothelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with an abdominal mass in the newborn period as it could be associated with significant morbidity and mortality requiring aggressive treatment and meticulous supportive care.