Primary immature teratoma in the liver with growing teratoma syndrome and gliomatosis peritonei: a rare case report

BACKGROUND: Primary liver immature teratoma is extremely rare and only 4 cases have been reported, let alone with growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) and/or gliomatosis peritonei (GP). CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a case of a 44-year-old female presenting with progressive abdominal distension and elevated serum alpha fetal protein (AFP) level. CT/MRI scans revealed a large cystic-solid mass in the right lobe of the liver, accompanied with implant or metastasis in the abdominal cavity. Pathologic examination at biopsy suggested immature teratoma. After 4 cycles of chemotherapy, an MRI showed a slight increase in tumor size. Therefore, surgical resection of the right lobe of the liver was performed. The final histological diagnosis was a mature teratoma (tumor size 28 cm × 14 cm × 13 cm), with no residual immature component, and the diagnosis of GTS was considered. The patient continued to receive 2 courses of postoperative chemotherapy. An abdominal CT scan revealed innumerable miliary nodules in bilateral adnexal areas 2 months after surgery. Histologically, large numbers of mature glia were observed, supporting the diagnosis of GP. CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first time a case of primary liver immature teratoma with GTS and GP in an adult. Longer follow-up is needed to assess definitive efficacy.