Hepatic small vessel neoplasm – A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Hepatic small vessel neoplasm (HSVN) is a recently described vascular neoplasm of the liver that can mimic hepatic angiosarcoma (AS) because of its infiltrative nature but is considered biologically less aggressive. We carried out a systematic review of the literature after previously coming across a case of HSVN [1] to guide our surveillance. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review for all cases using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, case report journals and Google Scholar according to the PRISMA guidelines using the terms “hepatic small vessel neoplasm” or “hepatic small vessel neoplasia” with no language restrictions. The review was registered with Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry1127) [2]. RESULTS: We identified 69 articles, of which 6 articles were eligible after screening. A total of 23 cases were identified. Median age was 58 (range 24–83 years) with a male preponderance (17 M:6F). Mean tumour size was 2.8 cm (range 0.2–15.9 cm). Mean follow-up was 7 months (range 1–24 months) with no reported evidence of recurrence in both patient groups with no residual disease or with positive margins after resection. DISCUSSION: HSVN appears to demonstrate a benign clinical course with no reported recurrences or metastatic disease. Long-term follow-up data will further supplement our understanding of these tumours and guide future management.