Peliosis hepatis due to disseminated tuberculosis in a patient with AIDS

Infection. 2014 Feb;42(1):185-9. doi: 10.1007/s15010-013-0490-3. Epub 2013 Jun 14.

Abstract

Peliosis hepatis is a rare histopathological entity of unknown etiology. We present a case of peliosis hepatis in a 44-year-old man with disseminated tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The diagnosis of peliosis hepatis was based on liver biopsy results which were suggestive of tuberculous etiology. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by auramine stain, rRNA amplification and culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from synovial fluid of the elbow joint. The patient responded favourably to tuberculostatic treatment with four drugs and the early initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Histopathological evidence of peliosis hepatis, without an obvious cause, makes it necessary to rule out tuberculosis, especially in the context of immunodeficiency diseases and immigrants from endemic areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Elbow Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint / microbiology
  • Elbow Joint / pathology
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / isolation & purification*
  • Peliosis Hepatis / diagnosis*
  • Peliosis Hepatis / etiology*
  • Peliosis Hepatis / pathology
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tuberculosis / complications*
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis*
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents