Resolution of inferior vena cava syndrome after embolization of a hepatic adenoma

• Published in: Gastroenterology (New York, N.Y. 1943) Vol. 99; no. 5; p. 1502
• Main Authors: Meirowitz, R F, Tobin, K D, Elias, E G, Iseri, O, Pais, S O, Knodell, R G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-11-1990
• Subjects: Adenoma - blood supply; Adenoma - pathology; Adenoma - therapy; Aged; Ascites - therapy; Constriction, Pathologic - therapy; Edema - therapy; Embolization, Therapeutic; Humans; Liver Neoplasms - blood supply; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - therapy; Male; Pruritus - therapy; Syndrome; Vena Cava, Inferior - pathology
• ISSN: 0016-5085
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(90)91182-6

A 77-year-old man presented with severe pruritus and massive lower body edema. Computerized axial tomography of the abdomen showed a large hepatic mass compressing the inferior vena cava, and a liver biopsy specimen showed hepatic adenoma. Embolization of vessels feeding the hepatic tumor resulted in complete resolution of pruritus and ascites, and clinical remission has persisted for 1 year following partial obliteration of tumor vasculature. Angiographic ablation of tumor blood supply represents a nonoperative means for inducing clinical remission in patients with symptomatic hepatic adenoma who are at high surgical risk.