MESENCHYMAL HAMARTOMA OF THE LIVER

Hepatic mesenchymal harmartomas are benign tumors of the liver which is due to excessive focal overgrowth of mature normal vascular and epithelial cells and tissues that are native to that organ.
They usually present in infancy, however they have been described antenatally (1-4).

ULTRASOUND

• A complex multicystic well-circumscribed mass in the liver.
• Absence of cyst within mesenchymal hamartomas is unusual but has been described antenatally (3).
• Hypoechoic areas within the tumor representing areas of hemorrhage may be present.
• There may be enlargement of the hepatic veins.
• Color doppler studies usually shows no pulsatile blood flow in the mass.
• Polyhydramnios.
• Placentomegaly.
• Endocardial fibroelastosis (5).

REFERENCES

1. Foucar E, Williamson RA, Yiu-Chiu V et.al. Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver identified by fetal sonography. AJR 1983;40:970-972.
2. Hirata GI, Matsunaga ML, Medearis PD et.al. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of a fetal abdominal mass: a case of a mesenchymal liver hamartoma and a review of the literature. Prenat Diagn 1990;10:507-512.
3. Hansen GC. Atypical mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver: Prenatal sonographic diagnosis. AJR 1992;158:921-922.
4. Tovbin J, Segal M, Tavori I et.al. Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma: a pediatric tumor that may be diagnosed antenatally. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1997;10:63-65.
5. Stocker JT, Ishak KA. Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver: report of 30 cases and a review of the literature. Pediatr Radiol 1983;1:245-267.