Diagnosis and treatment of focal nodular hyperplasia Journal Article


Authors: Bartlett, D. L.; Schwartz, L. H.; Klimstra, D.; Blumgart, L. H.
Article Title: Diagnosis and treatment of focal nodular hyperplasia
Abstract: Focal nodular hyperplasia is an uncommon, benign lesion of the liver of minimal clinical significance. Its importance lies in differentiating it from clinically significant lesions such as liver cell adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this review is to provide a background on the pathogenesis of focal nodular hyperplasia, discuss current imaging modalities which provide the most specificity in diagnosis, and provide an update on the accepted management of these lesions. While debate still exists, most current authors believe that focal nodular hyperplasia represents a local response of the liver to injury. The source of that injury seems to be vascular malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides the most specificity in diagnosis, although the characteristics are still being described. Classically, the lesions will be isointense on T2-weighted images with rapid homogenous contrast enhancement and delayed enhancing central stellate scar. Surgical resection is limited to symptomatic lesions or lesions with atypical imaging characteristics suggesting the possibility of a malignant diagnosis. Percutaneous biopsy can be helpful in those lesions where there is an overall high suspicion of focal nodular hyperplasia, but some of the clinical aspects or imaging characteristics are atypical for the diagnosis. The use of embolization as first line therapy for symptomatic lesions deserves further investigation. © Springer-Verlag 1996.
Keywords: pathogenesis; liver; tumor; focal nodular hyperplasia; benign
Journal Title: Journal of Hepato - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery (Japan)
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0944-1166
Publisher: Springer Tokyo  
Date Published: 1996-06-01
Start Page: 111
End Page: 121
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/bf02350920
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 22 November 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Leslie H Blumgart
    352 Blumgart
  2. Lawrence H Schwartz
    307 Schwartz
  3. David S Klimstra
    978 Klimstra