Primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the liver: a case report

Abstract

Primary intrahepatic rhabdomyosarcoma is extremely rare in children. We describe a case of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma originating from the liver in an eight-year-old boy presenting with abdominal pain, spiking fever and a rapidly growing abdominal mass for one week. Preoperative imaging studies revealed a large solid tumor in the right lobe of the liver without any tumor elsewhere in the body. Serological study was negative for HBsAg and positive for anti-HBs. Biochemical tests including serum glutamic-oxalacetic and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and alpha-fetoprotein were all within normal limits. The tumor was removed by an extended right hepatectomy. Histological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient eventually succumbed to tumor recurrence with massive internal hemorrhage two months after resection of the tumor. This is the first report of primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the liver in children. Abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography scan and angiography are valuable for preoperative planning but the imaging findings are non-specific. Pathological examination with immunohistochemical stains remains the most important method in arriving at the exact diagnosis. The poor prognosis and early death of most previously reported cases imply the need for investigation of a more effective treatment method of this uncommon tumor.