Focal nodular hyperplasia presenting as acute abdomen

SKY Chang, YFA Chung, CH Thng, HW Loo
Correspondence: Dr Stephen Chang, Stephen_chang@alexhosp.com.sg

ABSTRACT
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign liver tumour with an asymptomatic course, rarely causing complications. When the diagnosis is certain, only watchful observation is necessary. We highlight an interesting case of a 42-year-old woman with a FNH that ruptured and became haemorrhagic, thus presenting as an acute surgical abdomen. The diagnosis was only established after surgical resection with histopathological confirmation. Although haemorrhage of hepatic FNH is extremely rare, this case highlights the small risk of rupture in large lesions.

Keywords: focal nodular hyperplasia, liver, liver tumour rupture, tumour haemorrhage
Singapore Med J 2005; 46(2): 90-92