Abstract

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) usually occurs in non-cirrhotic livers and was defined as a nodule composed of benign appearing hepatocytes occurring in a liver that is otherwise histologically normal or nearly normal. However, due to improvements in imaging techniques and pathological evaluation of explant livers, a focal lesion that is very similar to the classic form of focal nodular hyperplasia that occurs in cirrhotic liver has been described by several reports. Therefore, the term FNH-like nodules has been proposed. In this report, we report a case of focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodules in cirrhosis. A 59 year old woman with known hepatitis B virus infection visited our institution for routine check up. She was diagnosed as having liver cirrhosis and 3.5 cm sized liver mass on abdomen ultrasonography (US). Because tumor marker was negative and US findings are not compatible with hepatocellular carcinoma, other imaging modalities were performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) documented a 3.5 cm sized hypervascular nodule with internal aberrant vascular structure and multiple small sized nodules in remaining liver. Needle biopsy was targeted to the liver main mass. Microscopic finding revealed FNH-like nodule and underlying liver cirrhosis.

• Keywords: Focal nodular hyperplasia-like nodule;Liver cirrhosis