A case of complete necrosis of a huge hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous transhepatic portal embolization

Abstract

A-76-year-old woman had abnormal liver function tests. Ultrasonograpy and computed tomography (CT) revealed a 16-cm solitary liver tumor occupying most of the right lobe. The tumor had arterial enhancement on CT, compatible with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE) reduced the tumor size to 13.6 cm, after which arterial enhancement on CT was no longer seen. An extended right hepatectomy was performed 34 days after the PTPE. Both gross and microscopic review of the tumor showed only necrotic tissue, suggesting that PTPE had resulted in complete necrosis of the tumor.