Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor — 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography findings: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are rare hepatic tumors. Their diagnosis, which is based on radiological findings, is difficult.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a case of PHNET in a 79-year-old man with no clinical symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) and 2-Deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) were performed for further evaluation. A hypoattenuating mass with rim-like enhancement in segment 6 of the liver was detected on contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Increased uptake was also observed on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, which revealed a grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor (NET), confirmed the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosing PHNET is challenging, and must be distinguished from other liver tumors. Metastatic NETs should be excluded.

Keywords: Hepatic tumor; Neuroendocrine; Positron emission tomography; Computed tomography; Case report

Core Tip: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare hepatic tumors. The diagnosis of these tumors, based on radiological observations, is difficult, and requires distinguishing them from other liver tumors and excluding metastasized NETs. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography is helpful when excluding extrahepatic diseases and evaluating the prognosis. Pathological diagnosis based on histological and immunohistochemical evaluation is regarded as the standard diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the only curative option. For inoperable cases, transarterial chemoembolization, chemotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation are alternative treatment methods.