Multifocal fatty liver nodules mimicking a metastatic disease: A case report

• Published in: Radiology case reports Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 850 - 854
• Main Authors: Duong, Huy Quang, Kajiura, Shinya, Truong, Tien Dinh, Ngo, Minh Tuan, Nguyen, Khai Xuan, Pham, Hung Khanh, Ta, Thang Ba, Nguyen, Dung Tien, Hayashi, Ryuji
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2024
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.11.040
• ISSN: 1930-0433

Multifocal fatty liver nodules can present a diagnostic challenge due to their resemblance to metastatic liver disease. This case report illustrates the complexity of such scenarios through the presentation of a middle-aged male patient. Despite the common nature of fatty liver disease, characterized by hepatocyte fat accumulation leading to diffuse and uniform liver lesions, rare instances exhibit heterogeneous appearances. The case underlines the potential confusion arising from imaging modalities when multiple small nodules disperse throughout the liver, mimicking multifocal tumors or metastases. The report emphasizes the critical role of comprehensive diagnostic procedures in preventing misdiagnosis and unwarranted interventions. Effective management hinges on multidisciplinary collaboration among specialists, ensuring accurate differentiation and appropriate treatment. This study serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in interpreting multifocal fatty liver nodules that may masquerade as metastatic disease, highlighting the need for precision in clinical practice.