Resolution of medically resistant hypothyroidism after liver transplantation for hepatic hemangioendothelioma

J Pediatr Surg. 2006 Oct;41(10):1783-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2006.05.037.

Abstract

Hepatic hemangioendothelioma (HHE) is a rare vascular tumor in neonates and may cause high-output cardiac failure and coagulopathy, and rarely has been associated with hypothyroidism. Hepatic hemangioendothelioma treatment options consist of corticosteroids, alpha-interferon, surgical resection, and liver transplantation. Herein, we report the case of a 6-week-old female neonate that presented with an HHE that involved all segments of the liver, resulting in respiratory failure and severe hypothyroidism that was recalcitrant to exogenous L-thyroxine therapy. After failure of medical and supportive therapy for the HHE, the patient underwent a cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantation that resulted in successful treatment of the severe hypothyroidism, respiratory failure, and cardiac symptoms. The patient is currently 1-year posttransplantation and disease free with normal thyroid function.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / etiology
  • Hemangioendothelioma / complications*
  • Hemangioendothelioma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology*
  • Infant
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Remission Induction
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology