Lobular capillary hemangioma of the liver

BACKGROUND: Lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is a benign vascular tumor that is rare in adults and has never been reported in the liver. This vascular lesion usually presents on the skin or mucous membranes, and predominantly affects children. METHODS: LCH as a large asymptomatic hepatic mass was seen in a 35-year-old female. Imaging and pathologic characteristics of the mass are reviewed, and the relevant literature is also reviewed. RESULTS: A large vascular hepatic lesion was observed in an asymptomatic 35-year-old female. Pathologic examination after surgical resection revealed typical features of LCH. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of lobular capillary hemangioma seen as a liver lesion in an adult. Large vascular hepatic lesions pose significant difficulties in discerning benign from potentially malignant conditions. In this report we describe the pitfalls and radiological uncertainties with interpreting vascular lesions of the liver. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2009; 8: 323-325)