Isolated Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Elevation in an Asymptomatic Adolescent: An Unusual Presentation of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia

Incidental liver lesions (ILLs) in children are increasingly being identified due to the widespread use of imaging techniques. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is relatively rare in pediatric age, typically diagnosed based on characteristic imaging findings. We report the case of a 16-year-old asymptomatic female patient with persistent isolated elevation of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), identified during routine evaluation. Further imaging, including abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging with hepatocyte-specific contrast agent, revealed an ILL consistent with FNH, despite the absence of a classical central scar. The adolescent remained asymptomatic, and conservative follow-up was decided. This case highlights the diagnostic relevance of isolated GGT elevation as a potential indicator of FNH.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-07-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88050
Primary Topic
Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Isolated Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Elevation in an Asymptomatic Adolescent: An Unusual Presentation of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia

Diana Alba, Ana Reis, Manuel Ferreira, Teresa Cachada Baptista
Cureus
Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies
article

Isolated Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Elevation in an Asymptomatic Adolescent: An Unusual Presentation of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia

Diana Alba, Ana Reis, Manuel Ferreira, Teresa Cachada Baptista
article en

Abstract

Incidental liver lesions (ILLs) in children are increasingly being identified due to the widespread use of imaging techniques. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is relatively rare in pediatric age, typically diagnosed based on characteristic imaging findings. We report the case of a 16-year-old asymptomatic female patient with persistent isolated elevation of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), identified during routine evaluation. Further imaging, including abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging with hepatocyte-specific contrast agent, revealed an ILL consistent with FNH, despite the absence of a classical central scar. The adolescent remained asymptomatic, and conservative follow-up was decided. This case highlights the diagnostic relevance of isolated GGT elevation as a potential indicator of FNH.

CureusVol. 17(7)
Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 72%
Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies
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