Clinical analysis of hepatic angioleiomyoma: Two case reports

RATIONALE: Angioleiomyoma is an uncommon benign tumor that originates from the vascular smooth muscle cells and contains thick-walled vessels. It can appear anywhere in the body but more frequently in the extremities (especially in the lower limbs) and rarely invades the internal organs. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 52-year-old Chinese woman was referred to our hospital because of finding liver neoplasm 2 weeks ago (case first) and a 64-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to hospital with enlargement of the hepatic neoplasm revealed in follow-up, who was diagnosed with angioleiomyoma of left kidney 2 years ago (case second). DIAGNOSIS: All patients were diagnosed with hepatic angioleiomyoma by pathological results. INTERVENTIONS: All patients received surgical treatment, with laparoscopic hepatectomy of the IVb segment in case 1 and laparoscopic hepatic left lateral lobectomy in case 2. OUTCOMES: The 2 patients have eventually recovered, and no recurrences or other complications have been observed so far. LESSONS: Because of atypical clinical symptoms, no specificity in laboratory examination, and lack of characteristic imaging findings, angioleiomyoma is easily misdiagnosed for another disease of the liver. But with complete resection, the prognosis is generally good.