Peliosis Hepatitis

Causes

Peliosis hepatis is a rare vascular condition characterised by multiple, randomly distributed, blood- filled cavities throughout the liver. The size of the cavities usually ranges between a few millimetres and 3 cm in diameter. The disease is associated with a variety of conditions like:

  • Infections (HIV, Staphylococcus Aureus)
  • Drugs and Toxins
  • Malignancy
  • Kidney transplant
  • Chronic conditions (eg. Tuberculosis)

The mechanisms by which these lead to peliosis hepatis is unknown.

Symptoms and Signs

  • Typically asypmtomatic
  • When severe, it can manifest as jaundice, hepatomegaly, liver failure, and haemoperitoneum.

Diagnosis

  • Liver Biopsy
  • Imaging test in some cases (CT, US)

Treatment

  • Management of the underlying cause