Hepatic Angiosarcoma Associated with Chronic Schistosomiasis in a Patient with Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Rare Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic angiosarcoma (HA) is a rare endothelial malignancy with poor prognosis. Chronic Schistosoma infection causes periportal fibrosis and portal hypertension, but has not been established as a risk factor for hepatic vascular tumors. We report a case of high-grade HA coexisting with chronic schistosomiasis in a patient presenting with acute decompensated cirrhosis.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Filipino woman with no known chemical exposures presented with progressive abdominal pain, jaundice, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Doppler ultrasound initially suggested Budd-Chiari syndrome, later excluded on advanced imaging. MRI showed multifocal hepatic lesions, and CT demonstrated multiple intra-abdominal hematomas without active bleeding. Liver biopsy confirmed poorly differentiated HA (CD31+/CD34+) and revealed calcified Schistosoma eggs. Her course was complicated by hemorrhagic shock after biopsy and paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, acute kidney injury, and worsening hepatic encephalopathy. She died despite aggressive supportive care.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges and rapid progression of HA, especially in coagulopathic patients where biopsy carries significant risk. The coexistence of chronic schistosomiasis raises the possibility of parasitic inflammation contributing to hepatic vascular tumorigenesis. HA should be considered among unexplained hepatic masses with atypical imaging and clinical features.