Liver masses in pregnancy

Abstract

Liver masses in pregnancy are rare but when encountered pose a difficult clinical scenario with many diagnostic and management uncertainties. They can be classified as nonneoplastic and neoplastic and further subdivided into benign and malignant. Fortunately, benign hepatic adenomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hemangiomas appear to be the more common sources of liver masses identified in this generally young and healthy patient population, but the actual incidence of each type is unknown during pregnancy. In some areas of the world infectious causes are more prevalent. Malignant causes of hepatic masses carry a grave prognosis, similar to that for the nonpregnant population. The clinical presentation of a liver mass during pregnancy is similar in presentation to a nonpregnant patient, although symptoms may initially be attributed to pregnancy, and diagnosis is therefore delayed. Management varies depending on the etiology and size of the mass and on gestational age.