Isolated serosal liver infiltration mimicking cirrhosis in gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: A report of 2 cases

TL;DR

Two cases show liver changes resembling cirrhosis caused by stomach cancer, not liver disease, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis.

Contribution

Reports two rare cases of pseudocirrhosis caused by gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma without chronic liver disease.

Findings

Pseudocirrhosis was observed in two patients with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

Neither patient had a history of chronic liver disease.

Accurate recognition of pseudocirrhosis is critical for proper cancer staging and treatment.

Abstract

Pseudocirrhosis is a rare radiological phenomenon characterized by a cirrhosis-like morphology of the liver caused by metastatic disease without underlying chronic liver disease. We present 2 such cases. The first is a 79-year-old male with newly diagnosed gastro-esophageal junction (GOJ) adenocarcinoma with serosal infiltration of the hepatic capsule without peritoneal carcinomatosis. The second case is a 77-year-old female with GOJ adenocarcinoma showing radiological features of peritoneal infiltration and pseudocirrhosis. Neither patient had any history of chronic liver disease. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing pseudocirrhosis, particularly when imaging findings are discordant with clinical or laboratory data, as the diagnosis significantly alters staging and management.

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