A multicentre retrospective analysis on growth of residual hepatocellular adenoma after resection

Estrobolome and Hepatocellular Adenomas-Connecting the Dots of the Gut Microbial β-Glucuronidase Pathway as a Metabolic Link

Hepatocellular adenomas are benign endothelial tumors of the liver, mostly associated with female individual users of estrogen-containing medications. However, the precise factors underlying the selective development of hepatic adenomas in certain females remain elusive. Additionally, the conventional profile of individuals prone to hepatic adenoma is changing. Notably, male patients exhibit a higher risk of malignant progression of hepatocellular adenomas, and there are instances where hepatic adenomas have no identifiable cause. In this paper, we theorize the role of the human gastrointestinal microbiota, specifically, of bacterial species producing β-glucuronidase enzymes, in the development of hepatic adenomas through the estrogen recycling pathway. Furthermore, we aim to address some of the existing gaps in our knowledge of pathophysiological pathways which are not yet subject to research or need to be studied further. As microbial β-glucuronidases proteins recycle estrogen and facilitate the conversion of inactive estrogen into its active form, this process results in elevated levels of unbound plasmatic estrogen, leading to extended exposure to estrogen. We suggest that an imbalance in the estrobolome could contribute to sex hormone disease evolution and, consequently, to the advancement of hepatocellular adenomas, which are estrogen related.

Body weight changes and duration of estrogen exposure modulate the evolution of hepatocellular adenomas after contraception discontinuation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The natural history of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) remains to be better described, especially in nonresected patients. We aim to identify the predictive factors of HCA evolution after estrogen-based contraception discontinuation.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We retrospectively included patients with a histological diagnosis of HCA from three centers. Clinical, radiological, and pathological data were collected to identify predictive factors of radiological evolution per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1, and occurrence of complications (bleeding, malignant transformation). We built a score using variables that modulate estrogen levels: body mass index and duration of estrogen-based contraception. An external cohort was used to validate this score. 183 patients were included in the cohort, including 161 women (89%) using estrogen-based contraception for a median of 12 years. Thirty percent of patients had at least one HNF1A -inactivated HCA, 45.5% at least one inflammatory HCA, and 11% at least one HCA with activation of β-catenin (bHCA). Twenty-one symptomatic bleedings (11%) and eleven malignant transformations (6%) occurred. Ages < 37 years old ( p = 0.004) and HCA > 5 cm at imaging were independently associated with symptomatic bleeding ( p = 0.003), whereas a bHCA was associated with malignant transformation ( p < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 5 years, radiological regression was observed in 31%, stabilization in 47%, and progression in 22% of patients. Weight loss was associated with regression ( p < 0.0001) and weight gain with progression ( p = 0.02). The estrogen exposure score predicted radiological regression (odds ratio, 2.33; confidence interval 95%, 1.29-4.19; p = 0.005) with a linear relationship between the rate of estrogen exposure and the probability of regression. This result was confirmed in an external cohort of 72 female patients ( p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Weight variation is strongly associated with radiological evolution after oral contraception discontinuation. A score of estrogen exposure, easily assessable in clinical practice at diagnosis, predicts regression of HCA.

Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Practical Implications of Hepatocellular Neoplasms

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major global contributor of cancer death, usually arises in a background of chronic liver disease, as a result of molecular changes that deregulate important signal transduction pathways. Recent studies have shown that certain molecular changes of hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with clinicopathologic features and prognosis, suggesting that subclassification of HCC is practically useful. On the other hand, subclassification of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), a heterogenous group of neoplasms, has been well established on the basis of genotype–phenotype correlations. Histologic examination, aided by immunohistochemistry, is the gold standard for the diagnosis and subclassification of HCA and HCC, while clinicopathologic correlation is essential for best patient management. Advances in clinico-radio-pathologic correlation have introduced a new approach for the diagnostic assessment of lesions arising in advanced chronic liver disease by imaging (LI-RADS). The rapid expansion of knowledge concerning the molecular pathogenesis of HCC is now starting to produce new therapeutic approaches through precision oncology. This review summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of HCA and HCC, provides practical information for their histologic diagnosis (including an algorithmic approach), and addresses a variety of frequently asked questions regarding the diagnosis and practical implications of these neoplasms.

Hepatocellular Adenoma: What We Know, What We Do Not Know, and Why It Matters

In the last 2 decades there has been significant progress in research and diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), resulting in the establishment of a molecular and immunohistological HCA classification. This review aims to fine-tune the current expertise in order to enhance the histopathological diagnostic possibilities, by refining issues that are already known, addressing diagnostic difficulties and identifying still unknown aspects of HCA. We will discuss novel methods to identify HCA subtypes, in particular the sonic hedgehog HCAs and the interpretation of glutamine synthetase patterns for the recognition of beta-catenin mutated HCAs. The major complications of HCAs, bleeding and malignant transformation, will be considered, including the dilemmas of atypical and borderline lesions. Paragraphs on HCAs in different clinical and geographical settings, e.g. pregnancy, cirrhosis and non-western countries are included. The natural history of the different HCA subtypes in relation with age, sex and risk factors is a feature still insufficiently investigated. This is also true for the risks of clinical bleeding and malignant transformation in association with HCA subtypes. As HCA is a relatively rare tumor, a multicenter and multidisciplinary approach across geographical boundaries will be the appropriate method to establish prospective programs to identify, classify and manage HCAs, focusing on several aspects, e.g. etiology, underlying liver disease, complications, regression and growth. Updating what we know, identifying and addressing features that we do not know matters to warrant optimal patient management.

Regression of multiple hepatocellular adenomas after cessation of oral contraceptive pills: a case report and review of the current literature

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is an uncommon benign liver neoplasm usually solitary and identified incidentally on imaging. We report a case of a 50-year old female who was diagnosed with multiple hepatic adenomas of the inflammatory subtype. After discontinuation of oral contraception a decrease of both the number and size of the liver lesions was seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the need of further intervention. The major challenge in the clinical management of patients with multiple HCAs resides in the risk assessment for future complications. In the case of multiple HCAs subtype seemed to be more relevant than the actual number of lesions. Because little is known about the natural evolution in patients with multiple HCAs, we performed a review of the current literature with focus on the different subtypes and their clinical relevance.

From an Incidental Finding to an Emergent Treatment: A Case Report of a Hepatic Adenomatosis and Large Ruptured Hepatic Adenoma

Introduction. Hepatic adenoma is an uncommon benign liver tumor presenting as solitary lesions or even rarely as hepatic adenomatosis. Large lesions carry a risk of rupture, hemorrhage, and malignant transformation. This case report aims to increase awareness about risk factors for hepatic adenomas, considering the increasing prevalence of obesity and the widespread use of oral contraceptive pills. Case Presentation. A 20-year-old obese female who was taking oral contraceptive pills for seven years presented to the emergency department with vomiting and abdominal pain caused by gastroenteritis. On imaging, multiple hepatic adenomas, including two lesions 6 and 9 cm in diameter, were incidentally found. During the hospitalization, the patient suddenly developed acute anemia and rupture of the largest lesion, which was promptly treated with arterial embolization. Discussion. Obesity and exposure to hormones are well-known risk factors for hepatic adenomas. The incidence of hepatic adenomas is steadily increasing because of the prevalence of obesity, especially among females. Lifestyle interventions for weight loss and discontinuation of oral contraceptive pills are considered a conservative treatment of hepatic adenomas. Large lesions possess the risk of malignant transformation and rupture and require surgical excision.