Title: Hepatic cavernous haemangioma: a 10 year review.

POPLINE Document Number: 076373

Author(s):

Tait N
Richardson AJ
Muguti G
Little JM

Source citation:

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 1992 Jul;62(7):521-4.

Abstract:

Between January 1981 and July 1991, 61 patients with hepatic hemangiomata were examined at Westmead Hospital in New South Wales, Australia, there were 14 males (22%) and 47 females (78%). They ranged in age from 26-85 years with a median of 49 years. 41 displayed abdominal symptoms but these were attributed to a hemangioma in only 7 cases. There was at least 1 subcapsular lesion in 17 (28%); 6 of the 7 symptomatic lesions were subcapsular and 5 of these were giant hemangiomata (i.e. >4 cm in greatest diameter). 1 large symptomatic lesion was intrahepatic. No association was observed between hepatic hemangiomata and other hepatic or extrahepatic diseases. Hemangiomata were resected from 6 patients, 4 of whom were symptomatic. Symptoms improved in all 4 but did not resolve completely in any. Follow-up ranged from nil in 5 patients to 108 months in 1. The median follow-up was 12 months after initial diagnosis. 10 patients demonstrated evidence of change in their lesions or symptoms while under observation. Only 3 had worsening symptoms or suspected change in the size of a hemangioma. This study highlights the benign, static nature of most hepatic hemangiomata. When this lesion is suspected, the diagnosis should be confirmed with ultrasound and labelled red blood cell scanning. Referral for evaluation by a specialist hepatobiliary surgery unit is needed when symptoms are intolerable, increasing size is definitely demonstrated or the diagnosis is uncertain and cannot be established without specialized investigations. Bleeding into or from these lesions is rare. (author's)

Keywords:

Australia
Retrospective Studies
Hepatic Effects
Sex Distribution
Signs and Symptoms
Examinations and Diagnoses
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Treatment
Histology
Age Distribution
Contraceptive Methods
Side Effects
Developed Countries
Oceania
Studies
Research Methodology
Physiology
Biology
Sex Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Diseases
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Age Factors
Contraception
Family Planning