title: "Pseudotumoral" hepatic pattern in acute alcoholic hepatitis: a case report.
abstract: In acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), a "pseudotumoral" appearance of the liver parenchyma on computed tomography (CT) scan has been reported. The main findings are hypervascularized areas closely similar to those observed in large hepatocellular carcinomas. We report a case of a patient affected by AAH with an unusual appearance of these "pseudotumoral" areas on CT scan, close resembling a metastatic cancer rather than a primary hepatocellular carcinoma. In fact, in contrast with previous reports, the picture was characterized by the presence of many inhomogeneous, hypoattenuated areas highlighted during both pre- and post-contrast phases. Moreover, we report the first description of "pseudotumoral" lesions on ultrasound scan. This patient was successfully treated with corticosteroids, even if many controversies still exist regarding their efficacy in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Policlinico, Mangiagalli, Regina Elena Foundation, Gastrointestinal Unit 2 and Postgraduate School of Gastroenterology, Università degli Studi di Milano, F. Sforza st. 35, 20122 Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tenca
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Massironi
authors.forename: Agostino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Colli
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Basilisco
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Conte
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006519:Hepatitis, Alcoholic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones
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