Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma: a pediatric tumor that may be diagnosed prenatally

Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma is a benign tumor, defined as an excessive focal overgrowth of mature normal cells and stroma native to the liver. The increasing popularity of antenatal scanning has resulted in in utero diagnosis of congenital malformations and anomalies that previously became apparent only after delivery. Herein, we present a rare case of fetal mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver, which was initially sonographically detected at 29 weeks of gestation. A brief literature survey and obstetric recommendations for management and monitoring of such rare cases are included. Copyright © 1997 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology