Pediatric Liver Lesions Imaging and Management
Summary
Paediatric liver lesions encompass a diverse array of benign and malignant entities, each with distinct clinical and imaging profiles. The most common benign tumours include hepatic haemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma, whereas rarer lesions such as mesenchymal hamartoma and simple hepatic cysts also require consideration. Non-invasive characterisation relies on ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with lesion morphology and contrast enhancement patterns guiding differential diagnosis. When imaging is inconclusive, percutaneous biopsy or elastography may be employed. Management strategies range from active surveillance of small, asymptomatic lesions to surgical resection for large, symptomatic or indeterminate masses. Minimally invasive approaches—including ultrasound-guided thermal ablation and laparoscopic excision—are increasingly adopted to preserve hepatic parenchyma. A multidisciplinary team of paediatric hepatologists, radiologists and surgeons is essential to tailor treatment, minimise morbidity and safeguard long-term liver function.
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Pediatric Liver Lesions Imaging and Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pediatric liver lesions imaging and management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Focal nodular hyperplasia: A benign lesion characterised by a fibrous central scar and nodular hepatocyte proliferation.
Hepatocellular adenoma: A benign epithelial tumour with potential for haemorrhage and rare malignant transformation.
Mesenchymal hamartoma: A developmental hepatic malformation composed of cystic spaces and mesenchymal stroma.
Simple hepatic cyst: A congenital, fluid-filled cavity in the liver parenchyma without neoplastic potential.
Percutaneous thermal ablation: A minimally invasive procedure using heat to induce focal tissue necrosis under image guidance.
References
- Benign Hepatocellular Tumors in Children: Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Hepatocellular Adenoma. International Journal of Hepatology (2013).
- Case Report: Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia in a 9-Year-Old Girl. Frontiers in Pediatrics (2021).
- Laparoscopic complete excision of an enormous simple hepatic cyst occupying the entire abdomen in a child: a case report and literature review. Surgical Case Reports (2022).
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