Diagnostic Challenges and Role of Immunohistochemistry in Metastatic Liver Disease

Objective: To evaluate the role of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the diagnosis of metastatic liver disease,with a descriptive, cross-sectional study at the Department of Histopathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology(AFIP), Rawalpindi. Material and
Methods: A total of 130 cases of metastatic liver disease were retrieved fromthe tumor registry data. Eosin-haematoxylin stained sections and Immunohistochemistry panels applied toascertain the site of primary tumor were evaluated. The panels of detailed immunohistochemical markers wereapplied. Frequency and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables. Mean and standard deviationswere calculated for quantitative variables
Results: Males were 87 (67%) and were females 43 (33.07%). Themost common site of primary was in GIT (45%), followed by neuroendocrine carcinoma and gall bladder. Theother less common sites were lung, breast, ovary and thyroid.
Conclusion: There is no specific singular panelof immunohistochemistry markers which can be used in all cases of metastatic liver tumors. The best use andselection of IHC markers depend upon morphological features, clinical history and results of other relevantinvestigations.