Massive hepatic angiomyolipoma in a young woman with tuberous sclerosis complex: significant clinical improvement during tamoxifen treatment.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Isolated liver angiomyolipomas (AMLs) occur in about 40% of TSC patients. Because of their slow growth, these tumors are often asymptomatic. Since AMLs express estrogen and progesteron receptors we suggest the possible benefits of tamoxifen for the treatment of liver AMLs.

METHODS:

We report the case of a 26-year-old female affected by tuberous sclerosis (TSC2) with cerebral, renal and hepatic involvement admitted to the Liver Unit for severe malnutrition, anorexia and abdominal pain. MRI showed a grossly enlarged liver, causing severe gastric compression. The liver was entirely filled with multiple nodular lesions of different sizes. Liver biopsy showed tumoral tissue with microscopic and ultrastructural features of angiomyolipoma. All liver function tests were repeatedly normal. Prior to considering the patient for partial hepatectomy, she was administered tamoxifen (20mg b.i.d).

RESULTS:

After 6 months of tamoxifen treatment a greatly improved quality of life and a significant weight gain were observed. After 12 months the clinical conditions further improved and the MRI showed a significant reduction of the largest lesion with a liquid central area and a diminished compression of the stomach.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is to our knowledge the first report in which tamoxifen has been successfully used in a TSC patient with multiple liver angiomyolipomas.

• Authors: Ilaria Lenci, Mario Angelico, Giuseppe Tisone, Antonio Orlacchio, Giampiero Palmieri, Mariangela Pinci, Roberta Bombardieri, Paolo Curatolo
• Journal: Journal of hepatology (J Hepatol) Vol. 48 Issue 6 Pg. 1026-9 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 0168-8278 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 18436329 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
• Tamoxifen

Topics

• Adult
• Angiomyolipoma (drug therapy, etiology)
• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal (therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Humans
• Liver Neoplasms (drug therapy, etiology)
• Tamoxifen (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Tuberous Sclerosis (complications)