Primary malignant hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: a comprehensive review of the literature with emphasis on the surgical therapy

Imaging characteristics and prognostic values of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma on 18F-FDG PET/CT

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a low-to-intermediate-grade malignant mesenchymal tumor. The diagnostic and prognostic values of 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to patients with HEHE have not been fully validated. Patient survival outcomes (including overall survival [OS] and progression-free survival [PFS]), lesions characteristics and semi-quantitative parameters, in terms of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), peak SUV (SUVpeak), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) on 18F-FDG PET/CT of 20 cases with HEHE were measured and analyzed. A total of 310 liver lesions were detected (excluding the diffuse-type lesions in 3 cases). Most lesions had higher SUVmax in delayed imaging than in early imaging (P = 0.013). Patients with multiple organs involved had higher death rate (P = 0.022), higher progression rate (P = 0.020), shorter OS (P = 0.011), larger lesion SUVmax (P = 0.048) and TLG (P = 0.033) than those with only liver involved. The area under curves (AUCs) from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were 0.960, 0.949, 0.980 and 0.960 for SUVmax, SUVpeak, TLG and MTV, respectively, in predicting OS (P = 0.005, 0.008, 0.001 and 0.024, respectively). For predicting PFS, the AUCs were 0.791, 0.824, 0.857 and 0.813 (P = 0.036, 0.019, 0.010 and 0.024), respectively. Dual-time-point imaging may improve lesions detectability. Patients with multiple organ involved had worse prognosis. The higher SUVmax, SUVpeak, TLG and MTV of lesions, the worse prognosis of patients were found.

Laparoscopic resection of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: report of eleven rare cases and literature review

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is an extremely rare borderline tumor of vascular endothelial origin. Laparoscopic resection of HEHE has never been reported.

METHODS

The clinical data of eleven patients with HEHE (4 women and 7 men) who were diagnosed and treated at the Union Hospital (Wuhan, China), and Wuhan Asia General Hospital (Wuhan, China), between March 2012 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The mean age of HEHE patients was 42.4 ± 13.9 years (range 22-67 years). All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery alone or in combination with radiofrequency ablation. Most tumors showed aggressive growth or metastasis. By immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were positive for CD31, CD34, ERG, PCK, FLi-1, TFE-3, and Ki-67 (labeling index range, 5-15%). In one of the patients, the tumor was accompanied by partial necrosis with a local appearance of epithelioid angiosarcoma. Postoperative adjuvant treatment included chemotherapy, sorafenib, and Huaier granule. As of July 2020, the median follow-up duration was 36 months (range, 9-60 months), with 2 (18.2%) patients experiencing tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of laparoscopic hepatectomy of HEHE. Curative laparoscopic hepatectomy might be an acceptable treatment for appropriate HEHE patients.

Liver Transplantation for Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma Is Facilitated by Exception Points With Acceptable Long-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare vascular tumor with a high mortality rate. HEHE is now a formally recognized indication for exception point priority in the United States under the new National Liver Review Board. The role of liver transplantation (LT) and exception point waitlist priority in the United States for patients with HEHE remains understudied.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using the United Network for Organ Sharing transplant database. From February 27, 2002 to January 31, 2018, 131 adults waitlisted for LT with HEHE were identified by free-text entry.

RESULTS

Exception point applications were submitted for 91.6% (120/131) of patients. All patients with fully reviewed applications received exception points at least once during waitlisting, and 85% (103/120) upon first submission. Among the 88 patients transplanted, median model for end-stage liver disease score at LT was 7 ((interquartile range [IQR]: 6-11) and waiting time 78.5 days (IQR: 29.5-237.5). Unadjusted post-LT survival of HEHE recipients at 1-, 3-, and 5-years from LT was 88.6%, 78.9%, and 77.2%. Unadjusted post-LT patient and graft survival of HEHE patients was not different from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan receiving exception point priority (P = 0.08). An increased rate of graft failure due to hepatic artery thrombosis ≤14 days from initial LT was observed in HEHE versus non-HEHE patients (4.6% versus 0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of HEHE recipients receive exception points at a universal approval rate allowing prompt access to deceased donor LT.

Laparoscopic repeat liver resection for hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

BACKGROUND

Optimal treatment for patients with hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) remains unclear. Laparoscopic repeat liver resection (LR) is a minimally invasive and potentially effective surgical option for multiple HEHEs.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 42-year-old woman with no relevant history was admitted for multiple liver tumors. Six tumors were observed on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including one in S2, two in S3, two in S7, and one in S8. Pathological evaluation of percutaneous tumor biopsy tissue suggested a diagnosis of HEHE and laparoscopic LR was planned. The procedure began with partial resection of S7 and partial resection of S8 and left lateral sectionectomy were performed. Another tumor was found intraoperatively on the surface of S6, necessitating removal by partial resection. Pathological evaluation of the resected tumor tissue from all seven tumors concurred with that of the preoperative biopsy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without any complications. A follow-up MRI 15 months after the primary surgery revealed one tumor each in S4, S6, and S8. Laparoscopic repeat LR was performed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without any complications. All three recurrent tumors were pathologically confirmed as HEHEs.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully treated primary and recurrent HEHEs with laparoscopic LR, which is a reasonable minimally invasive procedure considering the possibility of multiple courses of liver surgery in patients with HEHE.

Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Rare Disease With Favorable Outcomes After Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare vascular tumor with indolent behavior in terms of malignancy. The treatment of choice is either resection in the case of resectable lesions or liver transplantation (LT) for the disseminated intrahepatic form. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of patients with HEHE treated by LT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 18 patients with HEHE who underwent LT between 2002 and 2018 included in this retrospective study. The study group was comprised of young recipients (median age of 39 years) and mainly women (15 of 18; 83.3%). Two recipients had concomitant tumors of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in the liver and lungs prior to LT. The survival probability was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator.

RESULTS

According to histopathological data, none of the patients had a macrovascular invasion. In 4 patients (22.2%), the disease had spread to the hilar lymph nodes. The maximum diameter of the tumor in the studied group was 18 cm. The survival probability after 1, 5, and 15 years was 94.0%, 82.6%, and 41.3%, respectively. No disease recurrence was observed during a median follow-up of 65.9 months.

CONCLUSION

Liver transplantation provides favorable outcomes for selected patients with a hepatic form of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: Update on diagnosis and therapy

With an estimated incidence of only 1-2 cases in every 1 million people, hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare vascular endothelial cell tumor occurring in the liver and consisting of epithelioid and histiocyte-like vascular endothelial cells in mucus or a fibrotic matrix. HEHE is characterized as a low-to-moderate grade malignant tumor and is classified into three types: solitary, multiple, and diffuse. Both the etiology and characteristic clinical manifestations of HEHE are unclear. However, HEHE has a characteristic appearance on imaging including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography/computerized tomography. Still, its diagnosis depends mainly on pathological findings, with immunohistochemical detection of endothelial markers cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), CD34, CD10, vimentin, and factor VIII antigen as the basis of diagnosis. Hepatectomy and/or liver transplantation are the first choice for treatment, but various chemotherapeutic drugs are reportedly effective, providing a promising treatment option. In this review, we summarize the literature related to the diagnosis and treatment of HEHE, which provides future perspectives for the clinical management of HEHE.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: case series of a rare vascular tumor mimicking metastases

Background

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an extremely rare malignant vascular tumor which is often multifocal and, in many cases, discovered incidentally. Here, we describe the clinicopathological features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma cases seen in our practice and present a detailed review of the published literature.

Methods

All cases of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma diagnosed in Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2019 were included in the study. Slides were reviewed and follow up was obtained.

Results

Seven cases were reported during the study period. There were 4 females and 3 males. Age range was 20 to 77 years, mean age was 45 years. Three patients presented with right upper abdominal pain; 1 patient presented with jaundice while 3 patients were asymptomatic. In all 7 cases, lesions were identified on imaging studies. In 5 cases, liver lesions were multifocal. Clinical differential diagnosis in all cases was metastatic carcinoma and multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver function tests were normal in 5 cases. In 1 patient, tumor had already metastasized to the right lung. On histological examination of liver core biopsies performed in all 7 cases, classic histological features of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma were seen. Tumor cells expressed positivity for vascular markers (CD 34, CD31 and ERG) and were negative for cytokeratins, Hep par 1 and Glypican 3. Surgical resection was not performed in any of the 7 cases and all patients were treated by chemotherapy. Follow up was available in 5 cases. Of these, 3 patients died of disease and another patient was alive with metastases in both lungs, omentum and colon.

Conclusion

Clinicopathological features of the 7 cases in our series and detailed review of published literature is presented. Prognosis was bad in our cases most likely due to fact that surgical resection could not be performed in any of the cases owing to lack of surgical expertise for liver tumor surgery in most parts of the country.

Fast-growing epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver: A case report

RATIONALE

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare vascular tumor of the liver with malignant potential. It can be of solitary type, multifocal type, or diffuse type. Although there are some characteristic features on radiologic imaging, the definitive diagnosis of HEH is based on histopathology. The surgical treatment of HEH includes liver resection and transplant.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A middle-aged woman presented with easy fatiguability and anorexia for 1 month was found to have multifocal lesions on radiological imaging.

DIAGNOSIS

HEH was diagnosed by needle biopsy. It can be seen from imaging that this case is a multifocal form. The largest lesion increased from 3 to 3.3 cm within 2 months, with an increase of 9.45%; no other relevant literatures have been reported.

INTERVENTIONS

The possibility of liver transplantation was suggested to the patient. However, the patient refused transplantation and was successfully treated by radical right hepatectomy and resection of the left lobe lesion.

OUTCOMES

She remained disease-free throughout a year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

HEH is a rare disease with characteristic radiological and pathological features. Although liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for multifocal HEH, surgical excision represents one alternative when the lesions can be guaranteed to be completely excised.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: An international multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is an ultra-rare hepatic vascular tumor, diagnosed more frequently in females. The knowledge about this tumor derives mainly from small case series with sub-optimal treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify the clinical and radiological issues helpful to develop an international prospective registry.

METHODS

We conducted an international multicentric and retrospective study of patients with hepatic hemangioendothelioma. The clinical, pathological and radiological images collected during follow-up were reviewed. Central radiological revision was performed and 3 patterns of contrast were defined.

RESULTS

Between 1994 and 2016, 27 patients with hepatic hemangioendothelioma were identified in three institutions but the final diagnosis was hepatic angiosarcoma in one. The majority were females, median age was 38.7-years and 17 patients were asymptomatic at diagnosis. No patient had Two out of ten (20%) patients had surgical specimens with positive macro-vascular invasion and 50% had extrahepatic disease, and the most frequent pattern was the progressive-central-contrast-uptake. After a median follow-up of 6.7-years, the 5- and 10-year survival rates are 91.5% and 51.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicentric study shows the heterogeneous profile of patients with hepatic hemangioendothelioma, reflecting the need to establish a reference network in order to better characterize these patients and ultimately develop a personalized treatment strategy.

Rare primary hepatic malignancies: A case-based review

The two most common primary liver malignancies that radiologists encounter in clinical practice are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). However, there are other less common primary hepatic malignancies that radiologists should be aware of. The correct radiographic and pathologic diagnosis of these entities have important treatment and prognostic implications. In this paper, we review a series of five cases that we have encountered in clinical practice at our institution that were initially thought to be HCC or ICC, but turned out to be a rarer primary hepatic malignancy. We will review the radiographic and pathologic characteristics of each of these rare primary hepatic malignancies as well as discuss the prognosis and treatment for each.

A case of recurrent hepatic haemangioendothelioma

Hepatic haemangioendothelioma is a rare (1:1,000,000) mesenchymal tumour of the liver of vascular origin. Metastatic malignancies, other primary liver tumours and cholangiocarcinomas all have significantly worse prognoses and may mimic hepatic haemangioendothelioma. Hence, careful pathological assessment with appropriate tumour markers and immunohistochemistry are essential. We present a rare case of recurrence of hepatic haemangioendothelioma after 10 years post-hemihepatectomy. Surgical approaches include liver resection, liver transplantation and ablative techniques with chemotherapy and radiotherapy reserved for patients where a surgical approach is not possible. Hepatic haemangioendothelioma has an unpredictable course that is generally indolent and it is associated with a significantly better long-term survival. Consequently, it is important that these tumours are recognised and the approach to the diagnosis should be methodical. Owing to the protracted course of the disease, a prolonged duration of surveillance and an aggressive approach towards disease recurrence are essential for long-term survival.

Prognostic Determinants Analysis and Nomogram for Bone Malignant Vascular Tumors: A Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Analysis

Background

The aim and objective of our investigations were to explore the prognostic value of various clinical and pathological factors of bone malignant vascular tumors and establish a nomogram for their outcome predictions.

Material/Methods

All data of primary bone malignant vascular tumors (MVTs) patients were randomly selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. However, selected patients were clinically diagnosed with various cancers during 1988–2015. The potential prognostic factors were analyzed using SPSS (Windows, version 22.0). All prognostic factors were combined to formulate a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 266 selected patients were included in our study. In the univariate model, age (P<0.001), sex (p=0.0255), primary site (P<0.001), surgery (P<0.001), histologic type (P<0.001), metastasis (p=0.000), and pathological grade (P<0.001) were statistically significant for patient survival. The results of Cox analysis revealed that age (≥64) HR: 3.636, 95% CI [1.955–6.762], p=0.000, the primary site in skull HR: 2.6, 95% CI [1.584–4.268], p<0.001], without surgery HR: 1.473 95% CI [1.239–1.751], p<0.001, metastasis HR: 3.076 95% CI [1.983–4.771] p=0.000, man HR 1.802, 95% CI [1.032–3.004], p=0.045, and high malignant grade HR: 3.029, 95% CI [2.101–4.366], p=0.003 were independent unfavorable prognostic factors. Angiosarcoma had highest mortality rate among all vascular malignancies. The nomogram predicting overall survival achieved a C-index of 0.694 (95% CI 0.631, 0.745) in the SEER cohort.

Conclusions

Surgery can significantly increase OS survival time for bone MVTs, and low-grade malignancy is a significant factor for OS. However, advanced age, tumor metastasis, primary site in skull, AS, and male sex are predictors of poor prognosis.

Comparison of the clinical and MRI features of patients with hepatic hemangioma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, or angiosarcoma

Background

Comparisons of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE), hepatic hemangioma, and hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS) have rarely been reported. The purpose of our study was to analyze the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of these conditions.

Methods

A total of 57 patients (25 with hemangioma, 13 with HEHE, and 19 with HAS) provided hepatic vascular endothelial cell data between June 2006 and May 2017.

Results

The proportions of cases with circumscribed margins were 88% (22/25), 84.6% (11/13), and 31.6% (6/19) for hemangioma, HEHE, and HAS, respectively (P < 0.001). HAS lesions were less likely to have circumscribed margins. The proportions of lesions with hemorrhaging were 4% (1/25), 30.8% (4/13), and 36.8% (7/19) for hemangioma, HEHE, and HAS, respectively (P = 0.014). HEHE and HAS cases were more likely to show heterogeneous signals on T1-weighted (T1WI) MRI. HEHE and HAS cases were more likely to show heterogeneous signals on T2-weighted (T2WI) MRI. Centripetal enhancement was the most common pattern in vascular tumors, with proportions of 100, 46.2% (6/13), and 68.4% (13/19) for hemangioma, HEHE, and HAS, respectively. The difference in enhancement pattern between HEHE and HAS was not significant, but rim enhancement was more common for HEHE (46.2%, 6/13).

Conclusions

Our study revealed clinical and imaging differences between HEHE and HAS. The platelet count (PLT) and coagulation function of the HAS group decreased, whereas the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level increased. The 5-year survival rate for HAS was significantly lower than that of HEHE. A higher malignancy degree indicated a more blurred lesion margin, easier occurrence of hemorrhaging, and more heterogeneous T1WI and T2WI signals.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Uncommon Hepatic Mesenchymal Tumours: Haemangioendothelioma and Angiosarcoma

BACKGROUND

Primary Hepatic Epithelioid Haemangioendothelioma (HEHE) and Primary Hepatic Angiosarcoma (PHA) are rare mesenchymal tumours with different malignant potential. Whereas HEHE demonstrates low to intermediate malignant potential, PHA is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. The knowledge of typical imaging features of these lesions may facilitate correct diagnosis; however, the ultimate diagnosis of HEHE and PHA is based on histopathologic examination.

DISCUSSION

The most typical findings helpful in diagnosing HEHE are: Presence of multiple, confluent nodules located at the liver periphery (in young to middle-aged woman), retraction of the liver capsule, marked hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, "target-sign" appearance, progressive centripetal contrast enhancement, and relatively high Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values. More than ≥50% of nodules are hyper- or isointense on Hepatobiliary Phase (HBP) images.

CONCLUSION

The imaging features suggestive of PHA are: Occurrence of metastases (lungs, spleen) at the time of diagnosis, presence of a large dominant mass with smaller satellites, heterogeneity and areas of haemorrhage in a dominant mass, progressive contrast enhancement, slightly elevated ADC values as compared to other malignant liver tumours.

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma: CT, MR, and FDG-PET-CT in 67 patients-a bi-institutional comprehensive cancer center review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the imaging features of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) on multiphasic CT, MR, and FDG-PET-CT.

METHODS

Bi-institutional review identified 67 adults (mean age, 47 years; 23 M/44 F) with pathologically proven HEH and pretreatment multiphasic CT (n = 67) and/or MR (n = 30) and/or FDG-PET-CT (n = 13).

RESULTS

HEHs were multifocal in 88% (59/67). Mean size of the dominant mass was 4.1 cm (range, 1.4-19 cm). The tumors were located in the peripheral, subcapsular regions of the liver in 96% (64/67). Capsular retraction was present in 81% (54/67 cases) and tumors were coalescent in 61% (41/67). HEH demonstrated peripheral ring enhancement on arterial phase imaging in 33% (21/64) and target appearance on the portal venous phase in 69% (46/67). Persistent peripheral enhancement on the delayed phase was seen in 49% (31/63). On MR, multilayered target appearance was seen on the T2-weighted sequences in 67% (20/30) and on the diffusion-weighted sequences in 61% (11/18). Target appearance on hepatobiliary phase of MRI was seen in 57% (4/7). On pre-therapy FDG-PET-CT, increased FDG uptake above the background liver parenchyma was seen in 62% (8/13).

CONCLUSION

HEHs typically manifest as multifocal, coalescent hepatic nodules in peripheral subcapsular location, with associated capsular retraction. Peripheral arterial ring enhancement and target appearance on portal venous phase are commonly seen on CT. Similarly, multilayered target appearance correlating with its histopathological composition is typically seen on multiple sequences of MR including T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted, and dynamic contrast-enhanced multiphasic MR.

KEY POINTS

• Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas manifest on CT and MR as multifocal, coalescent hepatic nodules in peripheral subcapsular location, with associated capsular retraction. • Enhancement pattern on contrast-enhanced CT and MR can vary but peripheral ring enhancement on arterial phase and target appearance on portal venous phase are commonly seen. • Retrospective two-center study showed that cross-sectional imaging may help in the diagnosis.

Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma as a Rare Indication for Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare neoplasm of vascular origin, with nonspecific presentation and unpredictable clinical course. Several therapeutic options are available according to the literature, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, liver resection (LR), and liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

We present 2 cases of patients with HEHE treated with liver transplantation in our center, a 30-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, diagnosed with several lesions involving both liver lobes.

RESULTS

Levels of tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], cancer antigen 19.9 [Ca19.9], and alpha-fetoprotein [AFP]) were negative. Percutaneous biopsy revealed HEHE in both cases. Due to the bilobar location, liver transplantation was performed. Postoperative course was unremarkable, and no significant complications developed. At this time, 10 and 5 years' follow-up has concluded, respectively. Both patients remain alive, asymptomatic, with normal liver function and no sign of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

HEHE is an uncommon malignant hepatic disease. Most cases present with bilobar involvement, and LT is probably the most useful treatment with favorable outcomes according to the literature and our experience. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal management of this rare entity.

Hepatic Hemangioendothelioma: An update

Primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas of the liver (EHL) are rare tumors with a low incidence. The molecular background of EHL is still under investigation, with WWTR1-CAMPTA1 mutation may function as a tumor marker. Commonly, this tumor is misdiagnosed with angiosarcoma, cholangiocarcinomas, metastatic carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma (sclerosing variant). Characteristic features on imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography guide in diagnosis and staging. The "halo sign" and the "lollipop sign" on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are described in the literature. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for treating EHL with treatment options are broad including: chemotherapy, ablation, surgery and liver transplantation with inconsistent results.

VEGF-VEGFR pathway seems to be the best target in hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: A case series with review of the literature

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular tumor originating from endothelial cells. Clinical aspect of the disease covers a wide spectrum from a low-grade tumor to a fatal cancer. Most common sites of EHE are reported as lung, liver and bone. Hepatic EHE (HEHE) is a clinical form with an incidence of less than 1 person in a million. Due to rarity of the disease, there is no standard therapy established. Surgery and liver transplantation still seem to be the best approach if possible. However, most of the patients present with unresectable or metastatic disease. Many conventional chemotherapeutic agents and antiangiogenic drugs have been reported previously in the literature with inconsistent outcomes. Here we report 4 cases of HEHE, who benefit distinctly from anti-VEGF treatments in different settings. While combination of paclitaxel and bevacizumab resulted in partial response in 3 patients, one of them also achieved long-term disease stabilization with bevacizumab maintenance with no adverse event. Two of the patients had clear benefit from pazopanib during the course of disease. One patient was treated with thalidomide for 18 months with stable disease, and is still being followed without any treatment. Although targeting VEGF-VEGFR pathway seems to be the best approach in HEHE, randomized studies are urgently needed to support these findings.

[Surgical treatment of hepatic tumors-liver resection and transplantation]

The most frequent primary hepatic malignancies are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic cholangiocellular adenocarcinoma [iCCA]). For HCC in cirrhosis, liver transplantation offers the advantage of a complete hepatectomy radically removing all tumorous tissue along with the surrounding cirrhotic parenchyma, which is otherwise associated with a very high risk of recurrence. For HCC in non-cirrhotic livers and iCCA, liver resection is the treatment of choice. Nowadays, even extended resections can be performed with low mortality in experienced centers. Surgical therapy is more and more embedded into multimodal treatment concepts and decision making should be interdisciplinary as for other gastrointestinal tumors.

Vascular lesions of the head and neck: an update on classification and imaging review

Vascular lesions have a varied appearance and can commonly occur in the head and neck. A majority of these lesions are cutaneous and congenital; however, some may be acquired and malignant. The presentation and clinical history of patients presenting with head and neck lesions can be used to guide further imaging, which can provide important diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. This review discusses the revised International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification system for vascular tumors and malformations, as well as explores the most common vascular anomalies including their clinical presentations and imaging findings.

Treatment and prognosis of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma based on SEER data analysis from 1973 to 2014

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare tumor of vascular origin with an unknown etiology, a low incidence, and a variable natural course. We evaluated the management and prognosis of HEH from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program and changes in treatment modalities of HEH over 30 years.

METHODS

From 1973 to 2014 in the SEER database, we selected patients diagnosed with HEH. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, patterns of management, and clinical outcomes of patients with HEH.

RESULTS

We identified 79 patients with HEH (median age: 54.0 years; male to female ratio: 1:2.6). The initial extent of disease was local in 22 (27.8%) patients, regional metastasis in 22 (27.8%), distant metastasis in 31 (39.2%) and unknown in 4 (5.1%). The median size of primary tumor was 3.85 cm (interquartile range, 2.50-7.93 cm). Among 74 patients with available management data, the most common management was no treatment (29/74, 39.2%), followed by chemotherapy only (22/74, 29.7%), liver resection-based (13/74, 17.6%), and transplantation-based therapy (6/74, 8.1%). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 57.8%. Patients who underwent surgical treatment had significantly higher survival than those who underwent non-surgical treatment (5-year survival; 88% vs. 49%, P = 0.019). Multivariate analysis revealed that surgical therapy was the only independent prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio: 0.20, P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Resection or liver transplantation is worth considering for treatment of patients with HEH.

Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: Difficult Differential Diagnosis from Angiosarcoma

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is extremely rare, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult because hepatic EHE has clinicopathological features that are similar to those of angiosarcoma. However, it is important to differentiate hepatic EHE from angiosarcoma because the latter is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. We herein report a case of hepatic EHE that was difficult to distinguish from angiosarcoma by tumor biopsy. A 30-year-old man with Crohn's disease presented with multiple liver tumors. The tumors were preoperatively diagnosed as angiosarcoma by tumor biopsy. The patient underwent extended left hemihepatectomy with biliary reconstruction and partial resection of segments 6 and 8. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD34, factor VIII, and calmodulin binding transcription activator 1 (CAMTA1), and the pathological diagnosis was EHE. Two years after surgery, a recurrent tumor was found in liver segment 6, for which laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed recurrence of EHE. The patient remained well with no evidence of tumor recurrence as of 9 months after the second resection. In conclusion, we described a case of hepatic EHE that was initially diagnosed as angiosarcoma on biopsy. Immunohistochemical staining with CAMTA1 may help distinguish EHE from angiosarcoma.

Hepatic epitheloid haemangioendothelioma: a rare malignant tumour

Our case concerns a 66-year-old man. After experiencing recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, an initial CT scan, ultrasound and gastroscopy was carried out. All of which showed normal findings.As a consequence of persisting symptoms, another CT scan was performed. This scan revealed a hypodense area in the right lobe of the liver. This was interpreted as a possible haemangioma. Subsequent MRI scans indicated an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. A final ultrasound-guided liver biopsy was performed and histology demonstrated epitheloid haemangioendothelioma, which was locally advanced and inoperable.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation: A case report and literature review

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare neoplasm with a variable malignant potential and a high risk of recurrence. No general treatment guidelines have been established. Fortunately, we were able to minimize immunosuppressant after liver transplantation because of a full HLA-matched case. There was no recurrence 1 year after treatment.

Three cases of histologically proven hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma evaluated using a second-generation microbubble contrast medium in ultrasonography: case reports

Background

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is rare; it is reported in < 1 person in 1,000,000 individuals. For accurate diagnosis, information regarding multiple graphic modalities in HEH is required. However, there is very little information concerning Sonazoid® contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in HEH.

Case presentation

The present report describes the histologically proven three HEH cases evaluated using Sonazoid® CEUS. Case 1 was a 33-year-old female patient with no relevant past medical history, who experienced right upper quadrant pain. Conventional abdominal US revealed multiple low echoic liver nodules with vague borderlines. In CEUS, the vascularity of the nodules was similar to that seen in the neighboring normal liver. Later in the portal venous and late phases (PVLP) and post vascular phase, washout of Sonazoid® was detected in the nodules. Case 2 was a 93-year-old female patient with a previous medical history including operations for breast cancer and ovary cancer in her 50’s. Conventional abdominal US revealed multiple low echoic nodules, some of which contained cystic lesions. In the early vascular phase of CEUS, nodules excluding the central anechoic regions were enhanced from peripheral sites. Although the enhancement inside the nodules persisted in both the PVLP and post vascular phase, anechoic areas in the center of some nodules were not enhanced at all. Case 3 was a 39-year-old male patient presented with right upper-quadrant pain, without any relevant past medical history. Conventional abdominal US revealed multiple low echoic liver nodules. In the early vascular phase of CEUS, nodules were gradually enhanced from the peripheral sites as ringed enhancement. Sonazoid®was washed out from the nodules in the PVLP and post vascular phase.

Conclusions

The most important feature was peripheral enhancement in the early vascular phase. In case 2, the enhancement of the parenchyma of liver nodules persisted even in the PVLP; indicating the lower degree of malignant potential than others. Actually, the tumors did not extend without any treatment in case 2. Since case 2 is the first case report of HEH with cystic lesions, in patients with liver nodules including cystic lesions, HEH is a potential diagnosis.

Selection of treatment for hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare angiogenic tumor with no recognized effective treatment. Treatment options used worldwide include liver transplantation (LT), liver resection (LR), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), chemotherapy, and observation. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy of different treatment options used for HEHE at our center.

METHODS

The medical charts of 12 patients with HEHE (9 women and 3 men) who were diagnosed and treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, China, between January 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The patients were diagnosed by postoperative histopathology or fine needle aspiration biopsy. Two patients with diffuse lesions received LT and were alive without recurrence at the last follow-up. Three patients received LR as the initial treatment, and all of them developed recurrence during the follow-up period. One patient received RFA and remained free of disease, while the remaining six patients opted for simple observation rather than treatment. One of the patients who received LR passed away because of tumor recurrence within 32 months after surgery; the other patients showed no significant disease activity after treatments for their recurrent lesions. As of April 2018, the mean follow-up duration was 39.6 ± 20.1 months (15-82 months).

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple strategies for HEHE. Considering its indolent course, initial observation for assessment of the lesion behavior may aid in the selection of appropriate treatment. Surgery or LT is suitable for patients with disease progression during the observation period. However, our sample size was small, and further studies are required to gather more information that can aid in optimal treatment selection.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the pancreas presented as massive hematemesis

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Hemangioendothelioma is vascular tumors characterized by the presence of an “epithelioid” or “histiocytoid” endothelial cell.

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The majority of the tumors affects the liver.

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The natural history of the disease is still poorly understood and there is no uniform treatment form for such tumors.

Introduction

Hemangioendotheliomas are vascular tumors characterized by the presence of an “epithelioid” or “histiocytoid” endothelial cell. They consist of blood filled spaces mixed with cellular areas that mostly occur in the liver, but other organs can be affected. These lesions cause a wide spectrum of clinical presentations depending on the organ involved. Complete surgical excision is the primary form of treatment; they tend to recur after surgery in some cases.

Presentation of case

A-45-year old lady presented with 2 attacks of massive hematemesis. Upper GIT endoscopy was done which showed a vascular tumor arising from the duodenal ampulla, biopsy was not taken because of the risk of bleeding.

Laparotomy and duodenotomy were performed, there was a soft irregular 3 cm mass with areas of hemorrhage arising from the duodenum, complete excision was done and frozen section examination showed a benign lesion.

Two months later the patient presented with melena and anemia. CT-scan of the abdomen showed a mass at the head of pancreas. Second surgery was done and during surgery a firm mass was found in the region of the head of pancreas, pancreaticoduodenectomy was done and the sample was sent for histopathological examination which showed an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the head of the pancreas.

Discussion & conclusion

The treatment strategy should be tailored to the individual patient, the clinical presentation, and the rate of progression of the tumor. The natural history of the disease is still poorly understood and there is no uniform treatment form for such tumors.

Rare malignant liver tumors in children

Malignant hepatic tumors in children are rare, comprising 1.3% of all pediatric malignancies. Following hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma is the second most common. Other malignant hepatic tumors seen in childhood include those of mesenchymal origin including undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma, angiosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, as well as biliary tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma. Diagnosis can be challenging because of their rarity, and the recognition of distinctive imaging features for certain tumors such as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and biliary rhabdomyosarcoma can focus the differential diagnosis and expedite the diagnostic process. A complete MRI examination with hepatocyte-specific contrast media and diffusion-weighted imaging helps to focus the differential diagnosis, and, although findings are often nonspecific, in some cases typical features on MRI can be helpful in diagnosis. Histopathological analysis is usually required for definitive diagnosis. Hepatic tumors tend to be aggressive, and full staging is imperative to establish disease extent. Significant proportions are not amenable to upfront surgical resection and often require a multimodality approach including neoadjuvant chemotherapy within a multidisciplinary setting. Facilitating complete surgical resection is usually required for better survival. In this review, we emphasize pathology and imaging features for rare liver tumors that are useful in reaching a prompt diagnosis. We also discuss general clinical findings, prognosis and management of these tumors.

Liver transplantation for unresectable malignancies: Beyond hepatocellular carcinoma

Indications for liver transplantation have expanded over the past few decades owing to improved outcomes and better understanding of underlying pathologies. In particular, there has been a growing interest in the field of transplant oncology in recent years that has led to considerable developments which have pushed the boundaries of malignant indications for liver transplantation beyond hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this article, we review and summarise the published evidence for liver transplantation in non-HCC primary and metastatic liver malignancies and highlight ongoing clinical trials that address unresolved questions therein. We also examine the current technical, immunological and oncological challenges that face liver transplantation in this growing field and explore potential approaches to overcome these barriers.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma arising from the kidney: A rare case report

RATIONALE

Primary renal epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EH) is a rare vascular tumor with intermediate biologic behavior and metastatic potential, and it is extremely rare and has only 4 cases in the current literatures.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We reported a 30-year-old woman who had a 3-month history of gross hematuria and aggravated for half a month. The imaging examination showed a cystic lesion in the mid pole of the left kidney pelvicaliceal.

DIAGNOSES

The diagnosis was confirmed according to the specific anatomical location and pathological examination which was proved as EH.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent ureteroscopy and partial left nephrectomy.

OUTCOMES

Her postoperative condition was good without complications. No clinical evidence of local recurrence or metastatic disease was found during 6 months of follow-up clinical and ultrasound examinations. In addition, laboratory tests, including a urine examination, were normal.

LESSONS

Renal EH is a rare low-grade malignant tumor with characteristic histological structure. Locally excision has been considered as the optimal treatment and regular follow-up is necessary. Our present study reviewed the clinical and biological information of previous cases which were diagnosed as renal EH and we supplemented more data for further study.

Recent advances in liver transplantation for cancer: The future of transplant oncology

Liver transplantation is widely indicated as a curative treatment for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, with recent therapeutic advances, as well as efforts to increase the donor pool, liver transplantation has been carefully expanded to patients with other primary or secondary malignancies in the liver. Cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal and neuroendocrine liver metastases, and hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma are amongst the most relevant new indications. In this review we discuss the fundamental concepts of this ambitious undertaking, as well as the newest indications for liver transplantation, with a special focus on future perspectives within the recently established concept of transplant oncology.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers: Current findings and potential mechanisms of action

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are major causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide and include malignancies of the GI tract such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and rectum. Promising and selective anticancer effects of pharmacologically active components of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) have been shown in preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies. Saffron and its active components including crocin, crocetin, and safranal exert their anticancer effects through different mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis, influence on the cell cycle, and regulation of host immune response and anti-inflammatory activities. This review summarizes the recent literature on the chemopreventive properties of saffron in GI cancers to have a better understanding of the potential underlying mechanisms and hence the appropriate management of these malignancies.

Imaging findings in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

PURPOSE-OBJECTIVE

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular malignancy with varying biologic behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify imaging findings most characteristic of EHE.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical and imaging records in patients referred to our Vascular Anomalies Center over a 17 year period with biopsy proven EHE.

RESULTS

We evaluated 29 patients (17 F) with median age of 16 years (range 2-76 y). The most common presenting symptoms were pain (n = 13) and palpable mass (n = 7). 22 (70%) had multifocal disease. Most common sites of involvement were lung (n = 25), liver (n = 16), bone (n = 12), soft tissue (n = 3) and lymph nodes (n = 1). Of patients with single site disease, 3 had lung, 3 liver, and 1 had bone lesions. In 18/25 with lung disease, there were multiple nodules of varying sizes and characteristics. In 14/16 with hepatic disease there were multiple nodules with predominantly peripheral distribution. Subcapsular retraction was seen in 10/16 and a "lollipop" sign (hepatic or portal vein tapering at the edge of a well-defined hypoenhancing lesion) identified in 5/16. Of 12 osseous lesions, 11 were lytic, 8 involved vertebrae and 9 involved the axial skeleton.

CONCLUSION

EHE has varied imaging findings. The most common sites are lungs, liver, and bone, with multi-organ involvement seen in most. Lung disease is most commonly characterized by multiple nodules. Hepatic lesions demonstrate the most distinctive findings, with peripheral distribution, lack of early enhancement, subcapsular retraction and "lollipop" sign. Osseous lesions are commonly lytic and more prevalent in the axial skeleton.

Malignant hepatic vascular tumors in adults: Characteristics, diagnostic difficulties and current management

Malignant vascular tumors of the liver include rare primary hepatic mesenchymal tumors developed in the background of a normal liver parenchyma. Most of them are detected incidentally by the increased use of performing imaging techniques. Their diagnosis is challenging, involving clinical and imaging criteria, with final confirmation by histology and immunohistochemistry. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment. Liver transplantation (LT) has improved substantially the prognosis of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE), with 5-year patient survival rates of up to 81%, based on the European Liver Intestine Transplantation Association-European Liver Transplant Registry study. Unfortunately, the results of surgery and LT are dismal in cases of hepatic angiosarcoma (HAS). Due to the disappointing results of very short survival periods of approximately 6-7 mo after LT, because of tumor recurrence and rapid progression of the disease, HAS is considered an absolute contraindication to LT. Recurrences after surgical resection are high in cases of HEHE and invariably present in cases of HAS. The discovery of reliable prognostic markers and the elaboration of prognostic scores following LT are needed to provide the best therapeutic choice for each patient. Studies on a few patients have demonstrated the stabilization of the disease in a proportion of patients with hepatic vascular tumors using novel targeted antiangiogenic agents, cytokines or immunotherapy. These new approaches, alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities, such as surgery and classical chemotherapy, need further investigation to assess their role in prolonging patient survival. Personalized therapeutic algorithms according to the histopathological features, behavior, molecular biology and genetics of the tumors should be elaborated in the near future for the management of patients diagnosed with primary malignant vascular tumors of the liver.

Resectable Single Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma in the Left Lobe of the Liver: A Case Report

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is an extremely rare malignancy of vascular origin. When most patients with HEHE are diagnosed, they have a diffuse nodular phenotype, which is usually unresectable. A single nodular phenotype is found in only a small proportion (13%) of patients, and most are reported to be located in the right lobe of the liver. Although the prognosis of HEHE is considered more favorable than that of other hepatic malignant tumors, the 5-year survival rate is reported to be 64% after treatment. Herein, we present an unusual case of resectable HEHE of a single nodular type in the left lobe of the liver. The patient survived 15 years without recurrence after the multimodal treatment of radical resection and postoperative chemotherapy with thalidomide. The aim of the present study is to emphasize that multimodal treatment of radical resection followed by chemotherapy with thalidomide may achieve a relatively good survival outcome in patients with resectable HEHE of a single nodular type.

68Ga-DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 positron emission tomography-computed tomography in the evaluation of hepatic hemangioendothelioma epithelioid

Hemangioendothelioma epithelioid is a rare tumor that originates in soft tissues. Imaging evaluation with conventional modalities (tomography and magnetic resonance) is difficult. Novel radiotracers which capably evaluate angiogenesis may have a higher impact on the therapeutic decisions. A 45-year-old man underwent workup for thrombosis and was diagnosed with hemangioendothelioma epithelioid based on the results of liver pathology and immunohistochemistry. The decision of the multidisciplinary board was to begin with thalidomide. After 4 months, progression of disease was documented and right hepatectomy was performed. A ⁶⁸Ga-DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan showed residual lesions. After documented angiogenesis by ⁶⁸Ga-DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 positron emission tomography–computed tomography, nintedanib was administrated. And 1 year later, progression of the disease was documented by positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Ipilimumab plus nivolumab was started and partial response and excellent clinical response were documented. Molecular imaging with ⁶⁸Ga-DOTA-E-[c(RGDfK)]2 positron emission tomography–computed tomography is a good biomarker of the response of hemangioendothelioma epithelioid, and ipilimumab plus nivolumab therapy demonstrated a good response.

The Molecular Diagnostics of Vascular Neoplasms

In this review, we provide an update of the recently discovered, diagnostically significant genetic aberrations harbored by a subset of vascular neoplasms. From benign (epithelioid hemangioma, spindle cell hemangioma), to intermediate (pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma), to malignant (epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, angiosarcoma), each neoplasm features a mutation or gene fusion that facilitates its diagnosis by immunohistochemistry and/or molecular ancillary testing. The identification of these genetic anomalies not only assists with the objective classification and diagnosis of these neoplasms, but also serves to help recognize potential therapeutic targets.

Clinical characteristics of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular neoplasm with increasing incidence. However, its clinical characteristics remain unclear due to its low incidence. This study aimed to investigate the features of EHE.

METHODS

Patients with EHE treated at our institution between January 2000 and June 2018 were enrolled. Data including demographic characteristics, treatment patterns, pathological results, and prognosis were collected, and a retrospective database was constructed for analysis.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 33 patients with a mean age of 48.0 ± 16.0 years. Eighteen (54.5%) patients were asymptomatic. The laboratory tests were unremarkable except in five and two patients who had increased CA 125 and CA 19-9, respectively. Twenty-one patients underwent surgery, while 12 patients underwent only biopsy. The postoperative morbidity rate was 28.6% (6/21). The anatomical sites of the primary lesions varied. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CD34 and CD31 in most patients. Twenty-six patients (78.8%) were followed up at a range of 1-201 months, and 6 patients died during this period. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 96.2%, 87.0%, and 75.3%, respectively. The patients who had metastases or only underwent biopsy showed significantly higher mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

EHE is a rare malignant vascular tumor that can occur in any site of the body. Surgery is the primary choice of treatment, and pathologic evaluation is the gold standard for diagnosis. Metastases and unresectability are associated with poor prognosis.

Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor, composed of epithelioid and histiocytoid vascular endothelial cells in myxoid or fibrotic stroma, which can arise in multiple locations throughout the body. In the liver, this neoplasm usually presents on imaging as an incidental finding of multifocal, heterogeneously enhancing nodules in both lobes or presents clinically with nonspecific abdominal symptoms. Histologically, the tumor has been mistaken for metastatic carcinoma, angiosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. The neoplasm usually stains positive for vascular markers, such as factor VIII-related antigen, CD31, and CD34, and negative for cytokeratins. The translocation t(1;3)(p36.3;q25), resulting in the CAMTA1- WWTR1 fusion product, is the most commonly identified genetic abnormality with this tumor. Although hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma can have a varied clinical course, it is generally considered less aggressive than angiosarcoma. There is no consensus treatment protocol and techniques including liver transplantation, liver resection, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, and surveillance have all been used with varying outcomes.

[Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma]

We describe herein the inaugural manifestations, the radiological and histological diagnosis criteria for and the outcome of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). Most of EHE (90%) display a specific reciprocal chromosomic translocation t(1;3)(p36;q23-25), which is associated with the synthesis of fusion protein WWTR1/CAMTA1. EHE are low-grade vascular sarcomas. EHE could be initially localized or multifocal. At localized stage, EHE are best treated with focal treatments. At multifocal stage, the upfront strategy is watchful follow-up. Some multifocal EHE display very indolent course with spontaneous stable disease for years or decades. In case of progressive multifocal EHE, there is no consensual treatment. Diagnostic and clinical management of EHE requires interdisciplinary expertise from labeled centers.

Vascular tumours of the liver: a particular story

Vascular tumours of the liver represent an underrated chapter of medical and surgical hepatology. These tumours cover a wide spectrum ranging from the frequent and most benign hepatic haemangioma (HH), via the rare and intermediately aggressive hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (HEHE) to the rare and most malignant hepatic haemangiosarcoma (HHS). In contrast to the treatment algorithms for hepatocellular and cholangiocellular cancer, the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to HEHE and HHS are not well developed. The related uncertainty is explained by their rare occurrence and their protean clinical, morphological (imaging) and histopathological presentation and behaviour. This article gives an update about these particular tumours based on the analysis of the recent literature and of the studies on vascular tumours published by the European Liver Intestine Transplantation Association (ELITA)-European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR). It focuses also on the place of liver transplantation (LT) in the respective therapeutic algorithms. The differential diagnosis between these vascular and other tumour types may be very difficult. Correct diagnosis is of utmost importance and is based on a high index of clinical suspicion and on the integration of clinical, radiological, histological [including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular biology findings]. Surgery, be it partial or total hepatectomy (LT), should be proposed whenever possible, because it is the therapeutic mainstay. In HEHE, LT provides excellent results, with long-term disease-free survivals (DFS) reaching 75%. Good results can be obtained even in case of (frequent) extrahepatic spread. Based on the extensive ELITA-ELTR study a HEHE-LT prognostic score has been proposed in order to estimate the risk of recurrence after LT. In contrast, results of surgery and LT are extremely poor for HHS, for the almost invariably rapid recurrence (within 6 months) and related death within 2 years. LT remains a contraindication for HHS. Due to the still important recurrence rate after surgical resection (25% in HEHE and almost 100% in HHS), there is an urgent need to develop pharmacological treatments targeting angiogenic and non-VEGF angiogenic pathways. To date, some prospective pilot studies and case reports have shown some short-term stabilisation of the disease in small groups of patients. In order to make progress, combination of surgery, anti-angiogenic and immunotherapy seems worthwhile. To complete the panel of vascular liver tumours, infantile haemangioendothelioma, haemangiopericytoma, nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) and hepatic small vessel neoplasms (HSVN) are also discussed.

The Feature of Solitary Small Nodular Type of Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare tumor. Preoperative diagnosis of HEHE is difficult because it does not manifest specific symptoms or tumor markers. We report a resected case of small and solitary HEHE. The patient, a 74-year-old man, had undergone surgical resection for left renal cell carcinoma 20 years ago. During follow-up, a tumor approximately 1.3 cm in diameter was detected by computed tomography (CT) at liver segment VIII. It showed isodensity in the arterial phase, low density in the portal venous phase, and homogeneous enhancement in the late phase on CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We performed hepatic resection of the right hepatic vein drainage area. A pathological diagnosis of HEHE was made. Although small and solitary HEHE is rare, an enhancement pattern in each phase on CT and MRI, using contrast media, can yield clues for the diagnosis of HEHE.

Small, incidental hepatic epithelioid haemangioendothelioma the role of ablative therapy in borderline patients

Primary hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is an extremely rare tumor of vascular origin with an incidence of <0.1 per 100 000 population. We describe a 70-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma managed via robotic right partial nephrectomy who was also found to have a solitary 10 mm lesion on a pre-operative staging computer tomography (CT) scan. The patient underwent percutaneous biopsy and local ablation of the lesion consistent with an epithelioid hepatic haemangioendothelioma. Post-procedure CT scan after 1 month showed adequate ablation margins with no new lesions. The role of local ablation for solitary, small HEHE is discussed.

Hepatic tumors of vascular origin: imaging appearances

A number of benign and malignant neoplasms may arise from the vascular elements within the liver parenchyma. Lesions discussed in this article include angiosarcoma, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, solitary fibrous tumor (hemangiopericytoma), infantile, and cavernous hemangiomas. Despite a common theme of vascular origin, the pathologic and imaging appearance of these entities can be heterogeneous. Angiosarcomas are bizarrely enhancing, highly aggressive tumors, which often present with metastatic disease. When solitary, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma lesions can exhibit a concentric ring or target appearance on contrast-enhanced CT and at MR and when numerous may be indistinguishable from angiosarcoma except for a more slowly advancing course. Primary solitary fibrous tumors of the liver are exceedingly rare solid masses and most often initially diagnosed on imaging as other entities such as cholangiocarcinoma. Infantile hemangiomas consist of benign proliferation of the vascular endothelium and in the absence of flow-related complications, are usually clinically silent, and may be detected incidentally as T1 hypointense, T2 hyperintense, centripetally enhancing lesions. Cavernous hemangiomas are extremely common hepatic lesions and when classic rarely offer a challenge in diagnosis, though atypical variants may mimic more serious diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of important vascular tumors of the liver in order to aid the radiologist in providing a broad differential diagnosis for focal liver lesions, and when classic, suggest specific uncommonly seen diagnoses in order to more accurately guide clinical management.