Hepatic malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: a case report and review of the literature

Malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare hepatic tumor of vascular origin. It is most commonly found in young to middle aged women, and the tumors vary in reported malignant potential. Compounds such as oral contraceptive pills, poly vinyl chloride, and Thorotrast have been identified as risk factors for subsequent disease development. Radiologic ("lollipop" sign, capsular flattening) and pathologic (Factor-VIII antigen staining positive) evaluation aids in the diagnosis. As with most mesenchymal tumors, surgical resection is the most effective means of controlling local disease and preventing distant metastasis, though adjuvant therapies have been offered for those that are unresectable or not transplant candidates. We present our case of a hepatic malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and a review of the English-language literature.