Hepatic tumors

Definition:    Several primary hepatic tumors have been diagnosed prenataly by ultrasound. These include hemangioma, mesenchymal hamartoma, hepatoblastoma and adenoma.

Prevalence: Extremely rare.

Etiology:   No clearly defined factors have been implicated in the development of these tumors.

Ultrasound features: All hepatic tumors may show the same sonographic picture: either a defined lesion (cystic or solid) is present or  hepatomegaly exists. Calcifications may appear, and both          oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios have been observed.

Prognosis:    Due to the rarity of these tumors little is known about the natural history of these lesions. Hemangiomata are histologically benign and postnatally, the natural history tends towards spontaneous regression after infancy. However, occasionally, hemangiomas  are associated with arteriovenous shunting and subsequent  congestive heart failure. Heart failure and hydrops with resultant intrrauterine and neonatal death have been documented (20).  

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	fig. 9

References :

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