Liver abscess complicating embolization of focal nodular hyperplasia

Liver focal nodular hyperplasia seems to be a lesion without malignant potential. Only two cases with hemorrhagic complications have been recorded [1] but several deaths have occurred during attempted resections [2]. When the lesions are hypervascular there is a serious risk of intraoperative uncontrollable bleeding. Preoperative embolization would be a logical step to prevent bleeding if progressive symptoms and growth warrant surgical excision of the liver mass. We describe gelatin sponge embolization of a large area of focal nodular hyperplasia of the left lobe of the liver prior to hemihepatectomy that was complicated by abscess formation. (excerpt)