Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver mistaken for hepatic abscess in an adult

Abstract

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) predominantly occurs in children under the age of 10 years, and ~90% of cases occur in children <15 years old. Patients may complain of abdominal pain, fever or other symptoms. No significant decrease has been identified in the hepatic function or elevation of α-fetoprotein, which differentiates UESL from primary carcinomas of the liver. In the present study, a rare and misdiagnosed case of an UESL arising in a male, which was mistaken for a hepatic abscess and retrospectively re-diagnosed, is reported. This case was misdiagnosed as a hepatic abscess initially, and it was diagnosed as UESL subsequent to performing tests, including a type-B ultrasonic scan and computed tomography (CT), and evaluating pathological findings. The rapid recurrence of the tumor in this patient was identified by CT, and this is associated with the malignancy of the disease. Currently, patients with UESL have a poor prognosis as there is not a successful treatment strategy. The present study analyzes the course of diagnosis and potential treatment for the disease.