CASE REPORT   

Chirurgia 2002 August-October;15(4-5):151-4

Copyright © 2002 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Von Meyenburg’s Complex: clinical and radiological features. Report of a case

Percivale A., Stella M., Pasqualini M., Pellicci R.

Bile duct hamartomas are rare benign lesions of the biliary tract described first by Von Meyenburg and already known as Von Meyenburg Complex (VMC). They are usually benign lesions consisting of rounded malformations scattered through both lobes of the liver, frequently detected during abdominal operations or during autopsy; they are not usually symptomatic and are frequently confused with other hepatic lesions. Malignant transformation is rare and only a few cases have been described in the literature. Comparing the imaging findings on Ultrasound, CT and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with the pathological findings based on the review of the literature, we came to conclude that typical VMC could be diagnosed with accuracy by imaging: on the other hand the diagnostic features have not been well documented because only a few cases have been reported previously. We describe a case of VMC in which the definitive diagnosis was made after surgery on pathological specimens. In conclusion the authors on the basis of their experience and above all through a literature review conclude that VMC are usually detected at operating time or autopsy as an incidental finding, that are usually confused during imaging studies with other lesions and that specimens examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.