PMC2654436_01
(A) Abdominal ultrasound shows a low echoic nodule in the sixth segment of the liver (arrowheads). (B) Noncontrast CT scan shows a well-circumscribed, low density nodule (arrowheads). (C) Dynamic CT scan shows enhancement of the nodule in the arterial phase (arrowheads). (D) Dynamic CT scan shows enhancement in the portal phase (arrowheads).
1757-1626-2-90-1.jpg
PMC2654436_01_1757-1626-2-90-1.jpg
F1
In May 2005, abdominal US demonstrated a low echoic nodule, 1.6 x 1.6 cm in size in the sixth segment of the liver and mild parenchymal liver disease (Fig. 1A). Noncontrast liver computed tomography (CT) showed a 1.6 x 1.6 cm well-circumscribed and low density nodule in the same liver segment (Fig. 1B). Dynamic CT scans showed enhancement of the nodule in the arterial phase and early washout in the portal phase (Figs. 1C and 1D).
(A) The tumor was composed of round or ovoid cells arranged in insular pattern with a rosette formation (hematoxylin and eosin). (B) The tumor cells were positive for chromogranin A.
1757-1626-2-90-2.jpg
PMC2654436_01_1757-1626-2-90-2.jpg
F2
HBV infection, small HCC was highly suspected and a US-guided liver biopsy was performed for definite diagnosis. However, the pathological finding suggested a malignant neoplasm originating form neuroendocrine cells (Fig. 2A). The result of immunohistochemical (IHC) stain was positive for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin, and chromogranin A (Fig. 2B).
The resected liver contained a 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.5 cm circumscribed tumor (arrowheads).
1757-1626-2-90-3.jpg
PMC2654436_01_1757-1626-2-90-3.jpg
F3
The resected liver tissue contained a 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.5 cm circumscribed tumor (Fig. 3).