Hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia in a five-year-old healthy boy: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Focal nodular hyperplasia is unusually seen in a pediatric age group, with few reported cases in the literature. We report the case of a 5-year-old boy not known to have medical illnesses, who was found to have a liver mass, underwent right trisectionectomy. The purpose of this report is to familiarize the healthcare community with similar events, review the literature, and discuss recommendations for future similar cases. Case Report: A case of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) in a 5-year-old healthy boy who was found to have a huge liver lesion on ultrasound imaging due to a vague abdominal pain and distension. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass due to abdominal pain, distension, and atypical features of FNH in radiological examinations. Histopathological analysis revealed a focal nodular hyperplasia. Conclusion: Focal nodular hyperplasia considered a benign lesion that has no malignant transformation. The presenting symptoms are variable, usually asymptomatic. Laboratory tests have of little significance. Imaging modalities mainly ultrasound scan initially then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are useful to obtain more accurate characteristic features of the lesion. Uncertain diagnostic lesion needs to be biopsied and examined under microscopy. Confirming the diagnosis will follow an acceptable conservative management approach. Surgical resection is the preferred method in uncertain, questionable, or atypical features observed in radiological imaging.