CT of Retroperitoneal Extension of Hepatoma Mimicking Adrenal Tumor

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The anatomy of the superior aspect of the renal fascia is still controversial. We recently saw three cases of hepatoma extension into perirenal space and believed the bare area of the liver communicated with the perirenal space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the CT of the three cases of hepatoma with retroperitoneal extension. One was pedunculated and the others were exophytic. RESULTS: One pedunculated hepatoma was operated upon while we were under the impression that it was an adrenal carcinoma. The others were initially mistaken for a metastatic or primary adrenal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The bare area of the liver opens widely into the superior aspect of the perirenal space and permits easy extension of pedunculated or exophytic masses of the liver arising in this location, mimicking and adrenal mass.