From the Research
Peliosis hepatis is a rare vascular condition characterized by blood-filled cystic spaces within the liver, which can be life-threatening if not properly managed, and thus, it is crucial to consider it in the differential diagnosis of hepatic lesions, especially in patients with a history of anabolic steroid use, certain medications, infections, or malignancies. This condition involves the development of multiple, randomly distributed blood-filled cavities throughout the liver parenchyma, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in size, as reported in a case study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 1. The etiology of peliosis hepatis remains unclear, but it has been associated with various factors, including anabolic steroid use, certain medications (like azathioprine or tamoxifen), infections (particularly Bartonella henselae in immunocompromised patients), and malignancies, as discussed in a literature review published in the same journal 1. Some key points to consider in the management of peliosis hepatis include:
- Addressing the underlying cause, such as discontinuing the offending medication, as recommended in a case report published in the Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery 2
- Regular monitoring with imaging studies to assess progression or resolution, as suggested in a case report published in Oncology Letters 3
- Considering surgical intervention in cases of hemorrhage or other life-threatening complications, as reported in a case study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology 1
- Being aware of the potential for peliosis hepatis to mimic cancer, as presented in a case report published in Oncology Letters 3, and thus, considering it in the differential diagnosis of hepatic lesions. Overall, the management of peliosis hepatis should prioritize preventing life-threatening complications, such as liver failure or spontaneous hepatic rupture, and thus, a thorough evaluation and monitoring of patients with this condition are essential, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available, which is a case report published in SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 4.