Merck Manual

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Peliosis Hepatis

By

Whitney Jackson

, MD, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Reviewed/Revised Jan 2022 | Modified Sep 2022
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Peliosis hepatis is typically an asymptomatic disorder in which multiple blood-filled cystic spaces develop randomly in the liver.

Measuring a few millimeters to about 3 cm in diameter, the cysts of peliosis hepatis often lack a cell lining and are surrounded by hepatocytes. Some have an endothelial cell lining, accompanied by dilated hepatic sinusoids. The cause is probably damage to the sinusoidal lining cells. Peliosis hepatis is associated with use of hormones (eg, anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives, glucocorticoids), tamoxifen, vinyl chloride, vitamin A, and, particularly in kidney transplant recipients, azathioprine.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Nolvadex, Soltamox
A Mulsin, A-Caro-25, Aquasol A, Dofsol-A
Azasan, Imuran
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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