Hepatic Granulomas: A Review With Emphasis on Infectious Causes

Abstract

Context: Many diseases that cause granulomas or granulomatous inflammation involve the liver. Some of these disease processes are intrinsic hepatic diseases, whereas others are disseminated systemic diseases that involve the liver as well as other organs.

Objective: To review the evaluation of granulomas in the liver with an emphasis on infectious causes, as well as the use of special stains, serologic studies, and molecular diagnostic techniques. Pertinent noninfectious causes of hepatic granulomas that are in the differential diagnosis are also discussed.

Data sources: Literature review and cases acquired during years of practice.

Conclusions: A wide variety of infectious and noninfectious entities cause hepatic granulomas.