Primary liver adenomatosis. Report of two cases and literature review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver adenomatosis is an uncommon condition and so far only 13 cases fulfilling the requirements for its diagnosis have been reported in the literature. Optimal treatment of the disease and follow-up criteria are still the subject of debate. METHODS: We report on 2 cases of liver adenomatosis. In both cases definite diagnosis was obtained only intraoperatively on biopsy. RESULTS: In neither case was liver transplantation done, due either to patient refusal or foreseeable poor compliance. Prolonged strict follow-up failed to demonstrate malignant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the huge masses often responsible for abdominal pain is the only real indication for resective surgery. Orthotopic liver transplantation should be reserved for those cases in which malignant changes are suspected due to elevation of the alpha-fetoprotein concentration or gross modifications in the shape of the hepatic lesions.