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. 2011 May 21:5:196.
doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-5-196.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver: a case report and review of the literature

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Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver: a case report and review of the literature

Achilleas Ntinas et al. J Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver represents a fairly uncommon pathology. Although it is a benign tumor, the correct diagnosis can be missed.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man, who presented with a one-month history of abdominal pain and weight loss. He was diagnosed with a primary liver tumor by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Alpha-fetoprotein levels ranged within normal limits. A right posterior sectorectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed an inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver. Our patient remains in good condition one year later.

Conclusion: Although inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver is usually a benign process, controversy regarding its management still exists. With this case report we review the existing literature and consider hepatectomy as a safe treatment approach.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT scan showing a well-encapsulated round tumor, with low density and low enhancement of the tumor during the arterial phase.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Macrophages are forming aggregates, while the rest of the inflammatory cells are interspersed in a stroma with abundant fibroblasts and collagen bundles. The inflammation partially extends to the adjacent liver parenchyma. The aggregate of macrophages is located in the lower right part of the image (hematoxylin and eosin, × 400).
Figure 3
Figure 3
The cells of the lesion are negative to broad-spectrum keratin antibody. In contrast, the normal liver parenchyma on the left upper part of the image, and many bile ducts, which are confound into the tumor, are positive to keratin (DAB, × 25).

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