Presentation
Known right breast cancer subjected to mastectomy, presented with recurrence of the right axillary lymph nodes for metastatic workup
Patient Data
The liver is normal in size and density with a non-enhanced focal lesion in segment VI
The above CT study was reviewed and compared.
The above CT studies were reviewed and compared.
As noted earlier evidence of right mastectomy.
The liver shows diffusely nodular outline with pronounced areas of capsular retraction and diffuse nodular hepatic surface suggestive of pseudocirrhosis, however, noted multiple innumerable hypodense tiny focal lesions in both lobes. No IHBR dilatation.
Newly seen partial thrombosis seen within the main portal vein.prominent venous collaterals are seen at the lienorenal region.
Newly developed moderate abdominal ascites with mesenteric vascular congestion and tiny nodular mesenteric fatty standings are seen.
The gallbladder contains is contracted on dense calculi within.
Case Discussion
A known case of metastatic breast cancer on chemotherapy with no history of liver disease showing;
- Pretreatment abdominal CT show liver with normal morphology with the small hypodense liver lesion.
- A follow-up study showing after 33 months show newly developed multiple innumerable hypodense focal lesions of variable sizes in both lobes likely metastatic deposits and after that, the patient starting chemotherapy.
- After 11 months from starting chemotherapy showing; a progressive course in the liver, as shrunken the liver and discrete lobulation and nodular the hepatic surface.
Pseudocirrhosis is a radiologic term that describes the serial development of diffuse hepatic nodularity caused by chemotherapy for hepatic metastasis, especially from breast cancer.
It is characterized by morphologic changes mimicking liver cirrhosis, It is most common with breast cancer, but has also been reported to occur with other cancers, and is a potential cause of portal hypertension and hepatic failure. However, the patients with pseudocirrhosis do not unusually show the clinical features of true liver cirrhosis.
Pseudocirrhosis is thought to be caused by two factors
- hepatic irregularity/retraction from a decrease in the size of extensive metastatic disease in the liver
- regenerative nodules, altering the liver surface
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