Safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization of hepatocellular adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) larger than 5 cm in diameter has an increased risk of haemorrhage and malignant transformation, and is considered an indication for resection. As an alternative to resection, transarterial embolization (TAE) may play a role in prevention of complications of HCA, but its safety and efficacy are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes and postembolization effects of selective TAE in the management of HCA. METHODS: This retrospective, multicentre cohort study included patients aged at least 18 years, diagnosed with HCA and treated with TAE. Patient characteristics, 30-day complications, tumour size before and after TAE, symptoms before and after TAE, and need for secondary interventions were analysed. RESULTS: Overall, 59 patients with a median age of 33.5 years were included from six centres; 57 of the 59 patients were women. Median tumour size at time of TAE was 76 mm. Six of 59 patients (10 per cent) had a major complication (cyst formation or sepsis), which could be resolved with minimal therapy, but prolonged hospital stay. Thirty-four patients (58 per cent) were symptomatic at presentation. There were no significant differences in symptoms before TAE and symptoms evaluated in the short term (within 3 months) after TAE (P = 0·134). First follow-up imaging was performed a median of 5·5 months after TAE and showed a reduction in size to a median of 48 mm (P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: TAE is safe, can lead to adequate size reduction of HCA and, offers an alternative to resection in selected patients.

Systematic review of transarterial embolization for hepatocellular adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) larger than 5 cm in diameter is considered an indication for elective surgery, because of the risk of haemorrhage and malignant transformation. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is used to manage bleeding HCA and occasionally to reduce tumour size. TAE might have potential as an elective therapy, but its current role in this context is uncertain. This systematic review provides an overview of clinical outcomes after TAE, in bleeding and non-bleeding HCA. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed a systematic search of literature in PubMed and Embase. Outcomes were change in tumour size, avoidance of surgery, complications and malignant transformation after TAE in bleeding and non-bleeding HCA. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for cohort studies was used for quality assessment of included studies. RESULTS: From 320 potential articles, 20 cohort studies and 20 case reports including 851 patients met the inclusion criteria. TAE was performed in 151 of 851 patients (17·7 per cent), involving 196 tumours, of which 95 (48·5 per cent) were non-bleeding. Surgical treatment was avoided in 68 of 151 patients (45·0 per cent). Elective TAE was performed in 49 patients involving 66 HCAs, with 41 of these patients (84 per cent) not requiring surgery. Major complications occurred in eight of 151 patients (5·3 per cent); no death was reported. Among cohort studies, complete tumour disappearance was observed in 10 per cent of patients, and regression in 75 per cent. CONCLUSION: Acute or elective TAE in the management of HCA is safe. In the elective setting, TAE provides a potential alternative to surgery.