Incidental inflammatory adenoma with β-catenin activation in the setting of paediatric NASH

Pediatr Obes. 2018 Jan;13(1):70-73. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12189. Epub 2016 Oct 25.

Abstract

Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are benign tumours with potential for malignant transformation with no recommendations regarding management in the paediatric population. We report a case of an inflammatory adenoma with β-catenin activated pathway in an obese, paediatric patient with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Case report: An 11-year-old female presented with a microlobulated liver lesion measuring >5 cm in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with inflammatory adenoma with β-catenin activated pathology arising in a background of NASH, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score 5/8. Imaging follow-up demonstrated stable disease without progression for 3 years.

Discussion: Malignant transformation of Hepatocellular adenomas in a child is approximately 4.2%. It is unknown if hepatic steatosis increases this risk. Obese patients mainly develop inflammatory and β-catenin activated (highest risk for malignant transformation) adenomas. Our patient had inflammatory and β-catenin activation, which led to monitoring for malignant transformation.

Conclusion: We report a β-catenin activated inflammatory adenoma in a child with obesity and NASH with ongoing expectant management.

Keywords: Child; fatty liver; hepatic neoplasm; obesity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / complications*
  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / metabolism
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / complications*
  • Pediatric Obesity / complications*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • beta Catenin