Diagnostic Usefulness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Case of Cystadenocarcinoma of the Liver

We report a relatively rare case of cystadenocarcinoma in the liver. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed characteristic findings and was useful for diagnosis. A 63-year-old female visited our hospital primarily due to general itching. A tumor was palpable in the upper abdominal region, and ultrasonography (US) of the abdomen, computed tomography (CT), and celiac arteriography demonstrated a cystic lesion in the left lobe of the liver. On T1-weighted images of MRI, high-intensity signals were observed in the area suggestive of fluid retention. On T2-weighted images a mixed pattern of high-and low-intensity signals was observed in the area suggestive of solid tissue. Cytological examination by US-guided puncture showed class II findings. These findings obtained by imaging techniques suggested cystadenocarcinoma of the liver, and left lobectomy was performed. The tumor (9×9×8cm) was cystic and multilocular and contained brownish mucinous fluid. Histopathological examination showed a cyst wall composed of thick fibrous connective tissue with papillary proliferation of an adenocarcinoma on its internal surface.