A benign tumour of the liver mimicking malignant liver disease--cholangiocellular adenoma.

OBJECTIVE

To describe three patients with liver lesions mimicking malignant tumours diagnosed finally, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound, as cholangiocellular adenoma (bile duct adenoma).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Focal liver lesions found incidentally in three patients. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was with use of Siemens or Esaote equipment, low MI technique, after an intravenous bolus of 2.4 ml Sonovue (Bracco, Italy).

RESULTS

Lesions were 9 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm in diameter and all were enhanced in the arterial phase and hypo-enhanced in the portal venous and late phases, suggesting their malignant nature. In two patients, no primary liver tumour was found, and in the third patient, previously resected for breast cancer, a tissue specimen was considered useful for characterizing tumour receptors for more targeted chemotherapy, the lesion being assumed metastatic in nature. Transcutaneous core biopsies were performed in all three patients. Pathological analysis (including the reference pathology) revealed cholangiocellular adenoma in all of them.

CONCLUSION

Cholangiocellular adenoma is a rare entity and can be a reason for possible false malignant diagnosis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Follow-up examinations are recommended.