# Case Report: Whispers of the serpent: exploring uncommon imaging features in primary hepatic malignant mesothelioma

**Authors:** Guoan Li, Shengqian Hong, Tao He, Jianbo Xu

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1713971 · 2025-11-12

## TL;DR

This case report highlights a rare liver tumor with unique imaging features that could help diagnose it earlier.

## Contribution

The report identifies serpiginous peripheral enhancement as a novel imaging clue for primary hepatic malignant mesothelioma.

## Key findings

- A lobulated hepatic mass showed serpiginous peripheral enhancement on CT and MRI.
- This imaging pattern may aid in the early detection and diagnosis of PHMM.
- Recognizing this pattern can improve differential diagnosis and surgical decision-making.

## Abstract

Primary hepatic malignant mesothelioma (PHMM) is an uncommon and aggressive neoplasm with vague clinical and radiological features, posing challenges for preoperative diagnosis. In our case, a lobulated hepatic mass demonstrated a serpiginous peripheral enhancement pattern on contrast-enhanced CT and MRI. This uncommon imaging manifestation has been sporadically documented in previous reports. By consolidating these findings, our report emphasizes serpiginous peripheral enhancement as a potential diagnostic clue for PHMM. Recognition of this pattern may aid earlier detection, improve differential diagnosis, and guide timely surgical decision-making in affected patients.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** PHMM (MESH:D000086002), neoplasm (MESH:D009369), hepatic mass (MESH:C536030)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12647047/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12647047