Cystic degeneration of hepatic adenoma: a rare complication of hepatic adenoma

This case report describes a rare complication of hepatic adenomata in a 33-year-old female. The patient initially presented with abdominal pain, and baseline imaging demonstrated several hepatic adenomas, the largest of which (approximately 8 cm) was adjacent to the inferior vena cava. Owing to the location of this adenoma, surgical/vascular intervention was deemed inappropriate. The patient was actively observed for approximately 4 years, and managed supportively during any recurrent episodes. With follow-up CT/MRI scans, the “natural history” of this particular lesion, including haemorrhage, thrombosis and infarction, was observed. However, as intervention was unsuitable, further MRI was performed in view of these complications, allowing observation of the end-stage features of the adenoma. Appearances were consistent with a rare complication of hepatic adenoma, i.e. cystic degeneration, a process well documented in uterine leiomyoma.