Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features, cholangiolocellular subtype after inferior vena cava stent placement for a patient with Budd–Chiari syndrome

Abstract

We report a case of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features, cholangiolocellular subtype arising about 15 years after placement of an inferior vena cava stent for primary Budd–Chiari syndrome. Pre-surgical differentiation of the tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma was difficult because of elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein and hypervascularity in the arterial phase. Histopathological examination revealed atypical cells forming ductal and alveolar structures showing a vague border with the surrounding liver. Immunostaining showed positive results for epithelial membrane antigen, mainly localized to the apical surface of the tubules, representing a characteristic finding for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features, cholangiolocellular subtype. Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features arising in the liver with hepatic damage from Budd–Chiari syndrome is not common, but diagnosis is important to manage the malignancy, which shows different clinical behaviors from hepatocellular carcinoma.