Peliosis hepatis mimicking cancer: A case report

Abstract

Peliosis hepatis (PH) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of blood-filled cavities within the liver. The etiology of PH remains unknown, but it has been reported to be associated with infections or malignancies. However, the cause of PH is not clear in 20-50% of patients. The current study presents the case of a 19-year-old male who presented with right upper quadrant pain that had lasted for three days. The patient was a student with no previous medical history. Contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) and ultrasonography showed a neoplasm in the right liver and a diagnosis of primary liver cancer was made due to the manifestation of the disease and the results of physical tests. The individual was treated successfully with an irregular right hemihepatectomy and was in good health at 6-months post-surgery. A tissue specimen was obtained and determined to be PH by pathological examination and immunohistochemistry analysis. Consequently, a diagnosis of PH must be considered in cases like this.

Keywords: diagnosis; peliosis hepatis; primary liver cancer.

Figure 1

Computed tomography (CT) scan showing the Neoplasm (~3.5×4.5×4.5 cm) in the right lobe of the liver, as indicated by the arrow.

Figure 2

Microscopically-determined variably sized blood-filled cystic spaces and hemorrhagic necroses were present adjacent to peliotic spaces without endothelium lining, as indicated by the arrow.