A Case of Infiltrative Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis Successfully Treated by Transarterial Chemoembolization

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 12(1); 2006 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2006;12(1): 107-111.

A Case of Infiltrative Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis Successfully Treated by Transarterial Chemoembolization

Sun-Jung Myung, M.D., Jung-Hwan Yoon, M.D., Geum-Youn Gwak, M.D., Cheol Min Shin, M.D., Dong Won Ahn, M.D., Su Jong Yu, M.D., Ji-Won Yu, M.D., Soo-Jeong Cho, M.D., Jin Wook Chung, M.D.1 and Hyo-Suk Lee, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Department of Radiology1, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

ABSTRACT

A 63-year-old HBsAg-positive male patient was admitted for the evaluation of a liver mass that was detected on ultrasonography. Spiral computed tomography (CT) revealed infiltrative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the right hepatic lobe with main portal vein tumor thrombosis. His liver function was Child-Pugh class A and the serum alpha fetoprotein level was 7,400 ng/mL. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) via the right hepatic artery was performed. Following 3 sessions of TACE every 2 months, spiral CT revealed no evidence of viable tumor. The thrombi within the main portal vein disappeared with performing localized hepatic infarction at the site of the previous tumor. He is still alive 15 months after the third TACE without evidence of recurred tumor and his liver function remains well preserved. This case suggests that TACE might be effective and safe even in the patients with infiltrative HCC with main portal vein tumor thrombosis, if the extent of the tumor is limited and the liver function and portal flow via the collaterals are preserved. (Korean J Hepatol 2006;12:107-111)

KeyWords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Venous thrombosis, Transarterial chemoembolization, Therapeutics