Adult liver hemangioma: natural course and treatment / 中华肝胆外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the natural course and treatment of adult liver hemangioma (ALH).Methods The records of ultrasonography of 2422 patients with ALH were retrospectively reviewed.Results The patients were between 16 and 69 years of age (mean age 42,9± 11.4) with a male to female ratio of 1 ∶ 1.02 (1197/1225).The prevalence rate gradually increased with age after 30 years old.The highest prevalence rate occurred between 40-69 years.ALH was most commonly 1.1-3 cm in size,located in right liver with a solitary lesion.ALHs were bigger and were seen earlier in females than males.Concurrent illness was also more common in females than males.1427 patients had 3 to 8 repeat sonographies.At a follow-up of 42.7±9.5 months,1351 patients had no change in the ultrasonographic pattern or number of haemangiomas.Increasing in size of the lesions was demonstrated in 76 patients.154 patients received operation or interventional treatment.Conclusions The prevalence rate of ALH rose with age.Female sex hormones might accelerate ALH enlargement but they did not induce the formation of ALH.Most ALH remained stable in size and in patterns.Attention should be paid to rule out other illnesses in patients with ALH and with symptoms.