Radiation-induced liver disease mimicking liver metastasis after low-dose hepatic irradiation during radiotherapy for gastric mucosa-assisted lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) is an established complication of hepatic irradiation that is typically reported in patients receiving high-dose radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases. However, RILD can also occur after unintentional low-dose liver exposure during radiotherapy for other gastrointestinal malignancies when careful precautions are not taken. Patient concerns: We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma who underwent salvage radiotherapy administered to the entire stomach. One month after completing this radiotherapy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the patient’s abdomen revealed a 4 cm lesion in the left lateral liver segment, suggestive of metastasis. Diagnoses: An ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed, and the histopathological findings were consistent with those of RILD. Interventions: Conservative management was pursued with close monitoring of liver function tests. Outcomes: The patient’s imaging findings and liver enzyme levels normalized approximately 3 months after the initial diagnosis. Lessons: This case highlights the importance of considering RILD in the differential diagnosis of new hepatic lesions detected after radiotherapy, even in patients with low-dose liver exposure within generally acceptable limits. Careful correlation with the radiotherapy plan is crucial to avoid misdiagnosing RILD as metastatic disease and to guide appropriate management.