Abstract
Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common type of benign liver tumors. We present a
case of an infected hepatic hemangioma, which posed a diagnostic challenge. A 43-year-old
female presented with right upper quadrant pain after blunt force trauma and intentional
weight loss. CT and MRI were done, showing a posterior right lobe liver mass. Imaging
characteristics were thought to be suggestive of metastatic disease, with a differential
diagnosis of abscess. Drainage and biopsy of the mass revealed Streptococcus sp. infection, and pathology showed a cavernous hemangioma with inflammation. Patients
presenting with systemic symptoms and an indeterminate liver mass on imaging should
be evaluated for infected hepatic hemangiomas. Biopsy may be needed to rule out cancer.
Management may include surgical resection; however, antibiotics and percutaneous drainage
can suffice, as in this case.
Keywords
hemangioma - liver abscess - drainage
