Computed tomography of fatal hepatic rupture due to peliosis hepatis.

Abstract

Hepatic rupture with subcapsular hematoma and hemoperitoneum is shown by CT in a patient with peliosis hepatis. Peliosis hepatis is pathologically characterized by blood-filled cystic spaces in the liver associated with the administration of anabolic androgenic steroids or oral contraceptive agents, particularly those with large components of estrogen. We report a fatal case in a patient receiving diethylstilbestrol for 3 years. In patients receiving these medications, peliosis hepatis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of low attenuation areas in the liver by CT. These patients are subject to increased risk of spontaneous hepatic rupture.

• Authors: R L Smathers, J P Heiken, J K Lee, G A Press, D M Balfe
• Journal: Journal of computer assisted tomography (J Comput Assist Tomogr) Vol. 8 Issue 4 Pg. 768-9 (Aug 1984) ISSN: 0363-8715 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6736383 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Diethylstilbestrol

Topics

• Aged
• Diethylstilbestrol (adverse effects)
• Hemoperitoneum (diagnostic imaging)
• Humans
• Liver (pathology)
• Liver Diseases (complications, diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Male
• Peliosis Hepatis (chemically induced, complications, diagnostic imaging)
• Rupture, Spontaneous
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed