Hamartomas and malformations of the liver

Abstract

Hamartomas and malformations of the liver are rare and can lead to diagnostic challenges. Most present as mass lesions that can mimic true neoplasms of the liver on imaging and sometimes on histology, one example being focal nodular hyperplasia. The primary cell type in the hamartomas and malformations can be biliary, vascular, or hepatic. Biliary lesions include bile duct hamartomas and simple liver cysts. Other cystic malformations include the ciliated hepatic foregut cysts and mesothelial cysts. Vascular malformations include telangiectasias, arteriovenous malformations, and hereditary lymphedema. Malformations composed primarily of hepatocytes include accessory lobes and focal nodular hyperplasia. All of these entities are discussed, with a focus on the diagnostic histological findings.