Giant focal nodular hyperplasia with atypical imaging due to absent central scar: A case report
- 1Department of Radiology, National Institute of Oncology, Ibn Sina University Hospital Center, Rabat, Morocco
Abstract
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is widely recognized as one of the leading benign hepatic neoplasms encountered in clinical practice, disproportionately affecting women during their third through fifth decades of life. Although generally asymptomatic, FNH may occasionally present with acute abdominal pain, as illustrated in our case of a young woman with symptomatic giant FNH. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI constitute the main imaging modalities used in the diagnostic evaluation of FNH, each contributing complementary information; however, distinguishing it from malignant hepatic tumors may remain challenging, particularly in atypical presentations. Histopathological examination may therefore be required to establish a definitive diagnosis. Herein we describe the case of a young woman aged 24 years who was referred to our institution following an acute episode of abdominal pain, in whom imaging revealed a large left hepatic lobe FNH with atypical radiological features, notably the absence of a central scar. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Due to the extrinsic compression effect attributable to the lesion and associated signs of portal hypertension, liver transplantation was considered. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the variable clinical and radiological manifestations of FNH and discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with atypical giant lesions.
Related
- Clinicopathological Evaluation of Terminal Ileal Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia in Adults: A Single-Center Experience
- Synchronous Nodular Epithelial Hyperplasia and Type A Microthymoma Adjacent to a Thymic Cyst: A Report of a Rare Case.
- Interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of endometrial atypical hyperplasia and the contribution of PTEN immunohistochemistry
- Sentinel Lymph Node Assessment in Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia/Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Comparative Analysis of Progestin Intervention for Non-Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia in Infertile Females with Anovulation: A Retrospective Study.
BibTeX
@article{bqaq2026giant,
title = {{Giant focal nodular hyperplasia with atypical imaging due to absent central scar: A case report}},
author = {Ibtissam El Bqaq and Zaineb Ehirchiou and Zineb Izi and Asaad El Bakkari and Fatima Zahrae Laamrani and Youssef Omor and Rachida Latib and Sanae Amalik},
journal = {Radiology Case Reports},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.028},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.028},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Giant focal nodular hyperplasia with atypical imaging due to absent central scar: A case report
AU - Ibtissam El Bqaq
AU - Zaineb Ehirchiou
AU - Zineb Izi
AU - Asaad El Bakkari
AU - Fatima Zahrae Laamrani
AU - Youssef Omor
AU - Rachida Latib
AU - Sanae Amalik
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/22
JO - Radiology Case Reports
DO - 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.028
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.028
AB - Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is widely recognized as one of the leading benign hepatic neoplasms encountered in clinical practice, disproportionately affecting women during their third through fifth decades of life. Although generally asymptomatic, FNH may occasionally present with acute abdominal pain, as illustrated in our case of a young woman with symptomatic giant FNH. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and MRI constitute the main imaging modalities used in the diagnostic evaluation of FNH, each contributing complementary information; however, distinguishing it from malignant hepatic tumors may remain challenging, particularly in atypical presentations. Histopathological examination may therefore be required to establish a definitive diagnosis. Herein we describe the case of a young woman aged 24 years who was referred to our institution following an acute episode of abdominal pain, in whom imaging revealed a large left hepatic lobe FNH with atypical radiological features, notably the absence of a central scar. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Due to the extrinsic compression effect attributable to the lesion and associated signs of portal hypertension, liver transplantation was considered. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the variable clinical and radiological manifestations of FNH and discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with atypical giant lesions.
SN - 1930-0433
ER -