Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma From Autoinfarction and Implications on Liver Transplantation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Spontaneous regression of HCC due to autoinfarction is rare. This case series describes 2 cases of HCC autoinfarction that affected transplant candidacy: 1 patient previously ineligible because of tumor size and not meeting the Milan criteria became eligible after autoinfarction and tumor shrinkage while the second one was delisted in the view of improved symptoms of chronic liver disease and significant HCC regression. These cases provide an opportunity to review the pathogenesis of HCC autoinfarction and to remind practitioners of how this entity might alter decision-making around transplant eligibility.