Embolisation of arteriovenous intrahepatic fistulas associated with diffuse haemangiomatosis of the liver. Report of a case in an adult and review of the literature.

Abstract Diffuse hepatic haemangiomatosis is rare in adults. Association with high output intrahepatic arteriovenous fistulas has been described. To avoid heart failure complications, treatment is essential. The second case in the literature, treated with repeated transcatheter arterial embolizations (TAE) but complicated by infection of multiple haemangiomas and by Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, is presented. Complications were due to the persistent presence of haemangiomas within the liver, where an impressive collection of platelets and a superinfection were observed. Therefore, to treat arteriovenous fistula-related problems and to prevent possible complications due to persistence of the haemangiomas, surgical removal should be preferred over embolisation.