Metastatic carcinomatosis of the liver mimicking cirrhosis: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Carcinomatous involvement of the liver mimicking cirrhosis is a rare complication of metastatic carcinoma, most frequently seen with scirrhous carcinoma of the breast. The case of a 46-year-old woman with breast carcinoma presenting with ascites, jaundice, spider angiomata, and portal hypertension is reported. On hepatic scan the liver appeared to be almost the same size as the spleen, a finding frequently seen in cirrhosis. A chemotherapeutic program was introduced, but was of no benefit, and the patient died with uncontrolled esophageal bleeding. The prominent histologic feature on autopsy was intense stromal fibrosis and intravascular tumor infiltration with compression of vessels of the portal system.