Peliosis hepatis as an early histological finding in idiopathic portal hypertension: A case report.

Abstract

Peliosis hepatis is a rare condition characterized by dilatation of hepatic sinusoids and blood-filled spaces in the liver mainly observed in subjects exposed to toxic substances or estrogens, which is frequently asymptomatic. Non-cirrhotic idiopathic portal hypertension (NCIPH) is also a vascular disease of the liver rarely observed in European countries, which is usually diagnosed only when the hemorrhagic complications of portal hypertension occur. We report a case of NCIPH in a young Caucasian male who was diagnosed with liver peliosis, showing ultrasonographic and endoscopic signs of portal hypertension four years after. A second biopsy was diagnostic for NCIPH. Even if the pathogenesis remains obscure, peliosis hepatis can be considered as an early sign of vascular disease of the liver, which may progress to more definite conditions.

• Authors: Annalisa Berzigotti, Donatella Magalotti, Paola Zappoli, Cristina Rossi, Francesco Callea, Marco Zoli
• Journal: World journal of gastroenterology (World J Gastroenterol) Vol. 12 Issue 22 Pg. 3612-5 (Jun 14 2006) ISSN: 1007-9327 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16773721 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Biopsy
• Disease Progression
• Hemodynamics (physiology)
• Humans
• Hypertension, Portal (etiology, pathology)
• Liver (blood supply, pathology, physiopathology)
• Male
• Peliosis Hepatis (complications, diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Ultrasonography