Hepatocellular carcinoma and primary biliary cirrhosis: report of one case
Mallet, L.; Petite, J.P.; Amat, D.; Bloch, F.; Juillet, Y.; Camilléri, J.P.; Housset, E.
Gastroenterologie Clinique et Biologique 5(4): 379-384
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0399-8320 PMID: 6262177 Document Number: 180702
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare complication of primary biliary cirrhosis since only 4 cases were previously described. A 58-yr-old woman developed hepatocellular carcinoma 12 yr after the 1st symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis; the course of the disease was unusual and characterized by the delayed occurrence of pruritus and jaundice and only a slight elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase. Massive bleeding from the tumor into the peritoneal cavity occurred, as in 3 of the 4 other patients reported. The presence of the hepatocellular carcinoma in this patient was revealed. Main hepatic artery embolization stopped the bleeding, but hepatic encephalopathy developed 1 mo. later and the patient died. The rarity of hepatocellular carcinoma might be partly related to the inconstant and late formation of regenerative nodules in primary biliary cirrhosis. High hepatic Cu content might protect against hepatocellular carcinoma.