ATI Hematologic System Test Related

Review ATI Hematologic System Test related questions and content

A 9-month-old boy has been referred to you for the evaluation of an enlarged abdomen. Imaging studies show a large liver mass (PRETEXT III). Alfa-fetoprotein is 98 ng/mL, and a CT scan of the lungs show bilateral lung metastases. A needle biopsy is performed, and you are planning to review the specimen with the pathologist. Which of the following diagnoses are you suspecting?

  • A. Pure fetal histology hepatoblastoma
  • B. Embryonal sarcoma of the liver
  • C. Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma
  • D. Small cell undifferentiated hepatoblastoma
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Small cell undifferentiated hepatoblastoma. In hepatoblastoma, the presence of lung metastases indicates a high-risk tumor. The small cell undifferentiated subtype is more aggressive with a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes. The AFP level is lower than typically seen in hepatoblastoma, but still within the range for this diagnosis. Pure fetal histology hepatoblastoma (choice A) is less common and usually associated with a better prognosis. Embryonal sarcoma of the liver (choice B) is a distinct entity with different histological features. Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (choice C) typically occurs in older children and has a different imaging appearance.