Liver-cell adenomas with heavy iron deposition

Abstract

We report 3 unusual cases of liver cell adenomas with some uncommon features, corresponding to 3 women aged 45, 37, and 41 years, respectively. The diagnosis was incidental in 2 cases, and the third presented with abdominal pain. Radiologic findings were consistent with liver-cell adenoma, but gross examination failed to reveal the lesion until 24 hours of formalin fixation in 2 cases. Histopathological examination showed a striking deposition of iron pigment. In fact, Pearl's stain was the best way to visualize the limits of the neoplasm, which were irregular (pseudo-infiltrative). There was no evidence of other architectural or cytologic features suggesting an alternative diagnosis, particularly liver-cell carcinoma. Follow-up ranged from 9 months to 6 years and all patients are free of disease.