HEPATIC HEMANGIOMA IN NEONATES - REPORT O F A CASE

Hepatic hemangioma is a nonmalignant tumor that can manifest at birth as a variable combination of hepatomegaly, cutaneous hemangiomas, and congestive heart failure. A case diagnosed at birth upon evaluation of a palpable mass in the hepatic region is reported. Ultrasonography, c omputed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging established the dia gnosis. Negative results were found from tests for tumor markers inclu ding alphafetoprotein, chorionic gonadotropin, and carcinoembryonic an tigen, establishing the nonmalignant nature of the tumor. There was no evidence of heart failure. Watchful waiting with ultrasonograms at re gular intervals was the therapeutic approach selected. The tumor disap peared within eight months, leaving a stable calcification.