Pediatric Mesenchymal Hamartoma of Liver: A Case Report with Histomorphological Differential Diagnosis and Review of Literature.

Abstract

Mesenchymal hamartoma of liver (MHL) is a benign liver tumour that occurs mainly in children, especially those under 2 years old. The pathogenesis of this tumor is still unknown. It is believed that MHL is derived from the Ito cells and either a developmental malformation of primitive hepatic mesenchyme; result of toxic or ischemic insult; or a true neoplasm. It is amenable to treatment and has a good prognosis but presents with varied clinical, imaging and histological findings. However, it can be confused with other hepatic tumors and can mimic malignancy. Therefore, it is important to recognize this rare entity to avoid unnecessary over management. We present a case of MHL in a 3-year-old boy with abdominal distension. Based on the clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological findings a diagnosis of complex cyst of liver was made. A final diagnosis of MHL was given after histopathological examination.