Two cases of near-complete regression of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: Case reports and review of the literature

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Asha Sarma, University of Utah; Akram M. Shaaban, University of Utah; Marta Heilbrun, Emory University; Maryam Rezvani, University of Utah
• Language: English
• Date: 2012-01-01
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2012 The Authors.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.2484/rcr.v7i3.681
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Radiology Case Reports
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 681
• End Page: 681
• Keywords: CT, computed tomography; FNH, focal nodular hyperplasia; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Radiology

Abstract

While regression of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver is not uncommon, reports of near-complete involution or regression of these lesions are rare. We report two cases of focal nodular hyperplasia that underwent near-complete regression-one in a 27-year-old female that regressed over a period of 4 years, and one in a 46-year-old female that regressed over a 7-year period. Both patients discontinued use of exogenous estrogens between the diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia and its subsequent regression. Although contemporary cross-sectional imaging has improved the ability to detect and follow these lesions, few studies examining the natural history of focal nodular hyperplasia have been conducted. We discuss pertinent imaging findings on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, and review the literature on regression of focal nodular hyperplasia and the effects of endogenous hormones and exogenous hormone therapy.