Diagnostic Usefulness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Case of Cystadenocarcinoma of the Liver

Rokuro Mashimo, Kazushi Hayashi, Tetsuro Sadamoto, Tadahiro Sakamoto, Takashi Nishizawa, Shuji Inoue, Takeshi Ida

Department of Surgery, Kouga Public Hospital

We report a relatively rare case of cystadenocarcinoma in the liver. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed characteristic findings and was useful for diagnosis. A 63-year-old female visited our hospital primarily due to general itching. A tumor was palpable in the upper abdominal region, and ultrasonography (US) of the abdomen, computed tomography (CT), and celiac arteriography demonstrated a cystic lesion in the left lobe of the liver. On T₁-weighted images of MRI, high-intensity signals were observed in the area suggestive of fluid retention. On T₂-weighted images a mixed pattern of high-and low-intensity signals was observed in the area suggestive of solid tissue. Cytological examination by US-guided puncture showed class II findings. These findings obtained by imaging techniques suggested cystadenocarcinoma of the liver, and left lobectomy was performed. The tumor (9×9×8 cm) was cystic and multilocular and contained brownish mucinous fluid. Histopathological examination showed a cyst wall composed of thick fibrous connective tissue with papillary proliferation of an adenocarcinoma on its internal surface.

Key words
cystadenocarcinoma of the liver, magnetic resonance imaging, hepatectomy

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Roukuro Mashimo Department of Surgery, Kouga Public Hospital
3-39 Minakuchi-cho, Kouga-gun, Shiga, 528 JAPAN

Accepted
December 12, 1990

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