Bacillary peliosis hepatis as a cause of acute anemia in a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

A 33-year-old white homosexual man, infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, presented with acute anemia and thrombocytopenia not responsive to transfusions or to treatment with steroids and intravenous gamma-globulin. Hematologic workup was compatible with peripheral sequestration or loss of blood cells; however, there was no evidence of gastrointestinal or other sources of hemorrhage, and the only significant finding was a progressive liver enlargement. An abdominal computerized tomographic scan showed a massive homogeneous liver without focal lesions, a very small amount of ascites, and no retroperitoneal fluid collections. A transjugular liver biopsy specimen showed the cystic, blood-filled cavities characteristic of peliosis hepatis. Cavities varied in size, all contained pooled erythrocytes, and some had areas suggestive of thrombi in various stages of organization. Bacteria similar in morphology to those described in bacillary peliosis hepatis were seen in the peliotic spaces. The clinical picture began resolving shortly after treatment with zidovudine and ampicillin/sulbactam was started and had totally resolved 6 months after presentation. This case shows that bacillary peliosis hepatis is a reversible entity that may produce acute sequestration of blood in the liver.