Surgical treatment of a patient with peliosis hepatis: a case report

World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Apr 28;19(16):2578-82. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i16.2578.

Abstract

This report describes a case of a space-occupying lesion in the right liver in a 38-year-old man who was found to have peliosis hepatis. Clinical data of this patient were presented, including medical history, laboratory test and imaging results, and postoperative pathological findings (hematoxylin and eosin staining). Review of his medical history showed that the patient had been bitten by a dog three years earlier. B-mode ultrasonography revealed an uneven echo mass in the right hemiliver, and magnetic resonance imaging scans also showed a mass in the anterior segment of the right liver. Upon surgical removal, the mass was found to be 4.0 cm × 3.8 cm × 3.8 cm in size and located in segment VI. The mass had a dark and soft appearance, with an irregular edge on intraoperative ultrasonography. Postoperative pathological findings revealed many small capsules filled with blood cells. The patient was diagnosed with peliosis hepatis based on his medical history of having been bitten by a dog, presence of mild anemia, and lack of characteristic symptoms, including fever of unknown origin, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly, combined with intraoperative and postoperative pathologic findings. The operation was successful, and after being treated with anti-infection agents, the patient had a good recovery.

Keywords: Peliosis hepatis; Space-occupying lesion; Surgical treatment; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Biopsy
  • Bites and Stings / complications
  • Dogs
  • Hepatectomy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Peliosis Hepatis / diagnosis
  • Peliosis Hepatis / etiology
  • Peliosis Hepatis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color