Chemoembolization followed by orthotopic liver transplant for epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Abstract

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare liver tumor with an indolent course relative to other hepatic malignancies. Over the past two decades, primary treatment for these lesions has been defined as resection for localized disease, or transplantation for diffuse and multifocal tumors. No published report to date has described effective pre- or post-operative adjuvant treatment for this disease. In this report, we present the first case of HEHE effectively managed with chemoembolization followed by transplantation, documenting objective tumor response to embolization. Furthermore, diagnosis for this lesion can easily be mistaken, directing management in erroneous directions. This case illustrates diagnostic pitfalls affiliated with the work-up of this tumor.