A rare site for a common tumor: Incidental hepatic lipoma detected during evaluation for perforated appendicitis

Hepatic lipomas are exceedingly rare benign tumors composed of mature adipose tissue, typically detected incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions. We present the case of a 44-year-old male admitted with perforated appendicitis, during whose radiological evaluation an incidental hepatic lipoma was discovered. CT imaging confirmed a well-defined fat-containing lesion with characteristic attenuation of -80 Hounsfield Units. The patient recovered uneventfully postappendectomy, and conservative management of the asymptomatic liver lesion was adopted. The importance of our case lies in its contribution to the limited global literature on hepatic lipomas and its demonstration of how such rare entities can be encountered in routine clinical practice. By presenting detailed imaging features and discussing potential diagnostic dilemma, this case enhances awareness among clinicians and radiologists. It highlights the necessity of differentiating hepatic lipomas from other fat-containing hepatic lesions to ensure appropriate management and avoid unnecessary intervention. This case reinforces the value of incidental findings in expanding clinical knowledge.

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Publication Details

Journal
Radiology Case Reports
Published
2026-01-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2025.12.014
Primary Topic
Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

A rare site for a common tumor: Incidental hepatic lipoma detected during evaluation for perforated appendicitis

Mohammed A. Barakat, Hamza A. Abdul-Hafez, Lubna Rabeeh Shihada, Rahaf M. Nofal et al.
Radiology Case Reports
Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments
article

A rare site for a common tumor: Incidental hepatic lipoma detected during evaluation for perforated appendicitis

Mohammed A. Barakat, Hamza A. Abdul-Hafez, Lubna Rabeeh Shihada, Rahaf M. Nofal, Khaled Al-ali, Mahmoud Alawneh, Zaina Z.D. Najjar, Eliana Almasri
article en

Abstract

Hepatic lipomas are exceedingly rare benign tumors composed of mature adipose tissue, typically detected incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions. We present the case of a 44-year-old male admitted with perforated appendicitis, during whose radiological evaluation an incidental hepatic lipoma was discovered. CT imaging confirmed a well-defined fat-containing lesion with characteristic attenuation of -80 Hounsfield Units. The patient recovered uneventfully postappendectomy, and conservative management of the asymptomatic liver lesion was adopted. The importance of our case lies in its contribution to the limited global literature on hepatic lipomas and its demonstration of how such rare entities can be encountered in routine clinical practice. By presenting detailed imaging features and discussing potential diagnostic dilemma, this case enhances awareness among clinicians and radiologists. It highlights the necessity of differentiating hepatic lipomas from other fat-containing hepatic lesions to ensure appropriate management and avoid unnecessary intervention. This case reinforces the value of incidental findings in expanding clinical knowledge.

Radiology Case ReportsVol. 21(4)
An-Najah National University (PS), Republic of Palau Ministry of Health (PW)
Openalex Percentile: Top 81%
Gastrointestinal disorders and treatments
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