Hepatic Ectopic Adrenal Gland in a Patient with Hepatitis C Virus Who Achieved a Sustained Virological Response: A Case Report

Abstract

Hepatic ectopic adrenal glands are rare and can mimic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We herein report a 60-year-old woman with a history of chronic hepatitis C who achieved a sustained virological response. A 23-mm hepatic lesion was detected and initially diagnosed as HCC. However, laparoscopic resection and histopathology confirmed the presence of an ectopic adrenal gland. Given the location of the posterior liver, a biopsy is challenging. Adrenal scintigraphy may aid in the diagnosis and reduce the need for invasive procedures. As more cases are reported, improved imaging-based diagnoses may facilitate noninvasive identification of hepatic ectopic adrenal glands, avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention.