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