Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Adult Hepatic Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is an aggressive tumor. There is no established treatment, and it is an uncommon tumor in adults. Treatment usually includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and occasionally liver transplantation. The role of liver transplantation in patients with irresectable UESL merits exploration. Case Description: A 20-year-old boy with a large palpable abdominal mass, shortness of breath, and weight loss presented to our clinic. His CT showed a large cystic lesion measuring 11.5 x 22.7 x 23 cm, predominantly involving the left lobe and right anterior sector, with a biopsy consistent with UESL. The tumor was closely applied to the right hepatic vein, with bland main portal vein thrombosis. Due to an irresectable tumor and deteriorating clinical condition, living donor liver transplantation was performed. The patient remains in good health at 16 months follow-up. Practical Implication: In carefully selected patients with UESL, when other options are not feasible, liver transplantation might prolong survival and improve quality of life.

Keywords

• Chemotherapy
• liver transplantation
• survival
• undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma