No evidence of substantial growth progression or complications of large focal nodular hyperplasia during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign liver tumor considered to develop under the influence of estrogens. Whether women with known FNH are at higher risk of growth progression and complications during pregnancy is still controversially discussed. The authors investigated the growth pattern of FNH during pregnancy and possible related complications. Materials and methods. Twenty pregnant women with FNH were followed by the authors' center. Before pregnancy, diagnosis of FNH was usually established by contrast-enhanced ultrasound. During pregnancy, monitoring of FNH was performed by conventional ultrasound. Furthermore, a questionnaire was sent to all patients. Results. Patient's age ranged from 24 to 36 years. Mean size of FNH before pregnancy was 58.5 ± 22.7 mm. It did not vary significantly during pregnancy (fourth month of pregnancy: 58.1 ± 23.0 mm; after pregnancy: 55.5 ± 26.8 mm; –8%; n.s.). Only in three patients, growth of FNH by 18 ± 6% was observed, while FNH size remained constant in 7 patients and even declined by –11 ± 6% in 10 patients. There were no FNH-related complications. The questionnaire was sent back by 16 patients (80%). All responding patients took oral contraceptives in the past over a mean 12.4 ± 4.4 years. Previous pregnancies were reported by 38% of patients. FNH-related fears were expressed by 63% of patients, but no FNH-related complications or symptoms during pregnancy were noted. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that women with FNH are not at risk of significant growth progression or FNH-related complications. Pregnancy should not be discouraged in these patients but careful advice and guidance are necessary.

Key Words::

• focal nodular hyperplasia
• liver tumor
• oral contraception
• pregnancy
• ultrasound

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.