Hepatic angiomyolipoma: report of 8 cases and review of literature

Hepatic angiomyolipoma is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor. To study the clinical feature, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the rare presentation, the medical records of 8 patients presenting to Cancer Institute and Hospital, CAMS with the diagnosis of hepatic AML from January 1989 to December 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. There were five female and three male, with age ranged from 25 to 59 years (mean 39.6 years). Five tumors located in the right lobe of the liver, and three in the left lobe. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed in all cases. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography were done in some cases. The myoid cells in all tumors showed over-expression of HMB-45. All patients had hepatic resection. Except for one patient died of heart failure after surgery, others survived well to date without tumor. In conclusion, comprehensive imaging features can reveal the characteristic components of hepatic angiomyolipoma. Reaction for HMB-45 can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical resection is an effective treatment of hepatic angiomyolipoma.