Neuroendocrine Tumor Mimicking Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Case Report

Diffuse involvement of the liver with neoplastic processes can present a diagnostic dilemma. We present the case of a diffusely infiltrative neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that mimicked Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), not previously described in the literature. Histological evaluation can be limited without well-defined margins. Only one of two biopsies revealed a NET. A diagnosis of BCS was first considered after CT and MRI images revealed decreased hepatic and portal venous flow along with liver biopsy suggestive of venous obstruction. However, hepatic venography demonstrated patent veins and another diagnosis was sought. This case illustrates the importance of hepatic venography, the standard imaging technique for diagnosing BCS, and that a NET can mimic BCS.