Case Report
Copyright ©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 28, 2008; 14(28): 4573-4575
Published online Jul 28, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.4573
Anabolic steroid abuse causing recurrent hepatic adenomas and hemorrhage
Nicole M Martin, Barham K Abu Dayyeh, Raymond T Chung
Nicole M Martin, Barham K Abu Dayyeh, Raymond T Chung, Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
Author contributions: Martin NM, Abu Dayyeh BK and Chung RT wrote and analyzed the paper; Chung RT conceived the paper.
Correspondence to: Raymond T Chung, MD, Gastroin-testinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, WRN 1007, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States. rtchung@partners.org
Telephone: +1-617-7247562
Fax: +1-617-7265895
Received: April 12, 2008
Revised: July 15, 2008
Accepted: July 22, 2008
Published online: July 28, 2008
Abstract

Anabolic steroid abuse is common among athletes and is associated with a number of medical complications. We describe a case of a 27-year-old male bodybuilder with multiple hepatic adenomas induced by anabolic steroids. He initially presented with tumor hemorrhage and was treated with left lateral hepatic segmentectomy. Regression of the remaining tumors was observed with cessation of steroid use. However, 3 years and a half after his initial hepatic segmentectomy, he presented with recurrent tumor enlargement and intraperitoneal hemorrhage in the setting of steroid abuse relapse. Given his limited hepatic reserve, he was conservatively managed with embolization of the right accessory hepatic artery. This is the first reported case of hepatic adenoma re-growth with recidivistic steroid abuse, complicated by life-threatening hemorrhage. While athletes and bodybuilders are often aware of the legal and social ramifications of steroid abuse, they should continue to be counseled about its serious medical risks.

Keywords: Anabolic steroids; Adenoma; Liver; Hemorrhage