Solid-Tubulocystic Variant of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Report of a Pediatric Case With Molecular Characterization

Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2022 Nov-Dec;25(6):661-667. doi: 10.1177/10935266221119769. Epub 2022 Aug 27.

Abstract

We present a case of solid-tubulocystic variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (also called cholangioblastic variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma) in a 15-year-old girl, the youngest patient reported to date. The tumor was located in the left lobe of the liver, predominantly solid with cystic areas, and measured 16 cm in greatest dimension. Microscopic examination showed 2 major histologic patterns: a mixed pattern with solid, tubulocystic, macrocystic, trabecular, and nested growth, diffuse cytokeratin 7/19 and weak neuroendocrine immunoreactivity, and low Ki-67 index; and a more compact, macrotrabecular/gyriform pattern with focal CK7/19, stronger neuroendocrine reactivity, and higher Ki-67 index. Inhibin immunoreactivity was diffuse throughout both patterns. Treatment included tumor resection with negative margins and 8 cycles of capecitabine chemotherapy; the patient is alive with no evidence of tumor 2.5 years after resection. Although molecular characterization of the tumor at the time of resection was unrevealing, a recent study has identified a novel NIPBL-NACC1 fusion transcript in this tumor type, which we have confirmed in this case. This case expands the reported age range of this rare tumor type and confirms a recently-reported diagnostic genomic alteration. Awareness of this rare entity affecting pediatric patients is crucial to avoid confusion with similar-appearing neoplasms.

Keywords: cholangioblastic; cholangiocarcinoma; inhibin; pediatric; solid-tubulocystic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Child
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / diagnosis
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / genetics
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins

Substances

  • Ki-67 Antigen
  • NIPBL protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • NACC1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins