Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor treated by transarterial embolization plus radiofrequency ablation: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are extremely rare mesenchymal entities with potentially malignant properties; the liver cases are not encountered frequently. Owing to themalignant potential, these tumors are treated by surgical methods to ensure total resection. In the present report, a case of liver PEComa treated by embolization combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been described. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old female was admitted for the detection of a liver mass during an annual physical examination. The patient did not have any liver disease background, enhanced computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance revealed a huge mass in the right lobe. Pathology gave the diagnosis of PEComa, for disagreement of open surgery, a combination of transarterial embolization (TAE) and RFA were applied for treatment and the outcomes were acceptable, the patient was under follow-up to observe the long-term effect. CONCLUSION: Interventional procedures such as TAE and RFA are feasible and effective for such lesions and may serve as an alternate when resection is not indicated. Prospective studies are warranted to verify the long-term outcomes.