Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Last revised by Henry Knipe on 10 Nov 2023

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare, low- to intermediate-grade malignant hepatic vascular tumor.

There may be a greater female incidence (with reported M:F = 2:3), with peak incidence thought to be around the age of 30-40 years.

Histologically, the tumors are composed of dendritic and epithelioid cells. Tumor cells with intracytoplasmic lumina, occasionally containing red blood cells, appear as signet ring-like structures 2. They can be difficult to diagnose on the basis of biopsy results.

They tend to be multiple solid tumor nodules located in a predominantly peripheral distribution, which coalescence into individual nodules. Lesions adjacent to the capsule often produce hepatic capsular retraction.

Usually seen as hepatic lesions that are predominantly hypoechoic; however, hepatic lesions can also have mixed echotexture or be predominantly hyperechoic.

Typically seen as multiple hypoattenuating lesions in both hepatic lobes that coalesce to form larger confluent hypoattenuating regions in a peripheral or subcapsular distribution, with a halo or target pattern of enhancement in larger lesions. Subcapsular lesions often present with capsular retraction. Hepatic or portal veins or their branches may taper and terminate at or just within the edge of these lesions (lollipop sign).

Calcification is uncommon but occurs on occasion.

  • T1: hypointense lesions relative to normal liver parenchyma on unenhanced T1-weighted images

  • T2: heterogeneously increased signal intensity, with a white target sign in which the bright central core is surrounded by a peripheral, slightly hyperintense halo

  • T1 C+ (Gd): some lesions demonstrate either a peripheral halo or a target-type enhancement pattern after administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent, with an occasional thin peripheral hypointense rim

Ferumoxide-enhanced T2-weighted images may aid in distinguishing tumor margins.

The clinical course of these lesions can be variable with histological analysis being of little value in predicting the clinical outcome 1. The overall prognosis is much more favorable than for other hepatic malignancies 4.

Radical surgical resection and orthotopic liver transplantation are considered the treatments of choice 1,4. Due to the often multifocal nature of the tumor, transplantation may be the optimal treatment. Metastatic lesions have been reported in ~30% of patients at presentation and occur most commonly in the lungs 7. Other less common sites include the abdominal lymph nodes, omentum, mesentery, and peritoneum.

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