Published online Aug 27, 2019. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v11.i8.348
Peer-review started: June 19, 2019
First decision: August 2, 2019
Revised: August 9, 2019
Accepted: August 13, 2019
Article in press: August 13, 2019
Published online: August 27, 2019
Solitary fibrous tumor of the liver (SFTL) is a rare occurrence with a low number of cases reported in literature. SFTL is usually benign but, 10%-20% cases are reported to be malignant with a tendency to metastasize. The majority of malignant SFTL cases are associated with a paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia defined as Doege-Potter syndrome. Surgery is the best therapeutic treatment, however, long- life follow-up is recommended.
A 74-year-old man, was admitted to the emergency department after a syncopal episode with detection of hypoglycaemia resistant to medical treatment. The computed tomography revealed a solid mass measuring 15 cm of the left liver. An open left hepatectomy was performed with complete resection of tumor. Histopathological analyses confirmed a malignant SFTL.
Large series with long-term follow-up have not been published neither have clinical trials been undertaken. Consequently, the methodical long-term follow-up of surgically treated SFTLs is strongly recommended.
Core tip: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors first described in 1931 by Klemperer and Rabin. Usually, SFTs are benign, but 10%-20% of them are reported to be malignant with a tendency to metastasize. At present, 22 cases of liver malignant SFTs, including our patient, have been reported in literature. Some cases are associated with a paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia definied as Doege-Potter syndrome. Surgery is the best therapeutic modality and prolongs life, but also improves the clinical characteristics associated with Doege-Potter syndrome if present. Longlife follow-up is recommended.