Bacillary peliosis hepatis

What is bacillary peliosis hepatis (BPH)? 

  • BPH produces multiple cystic blood-filled spaces in the liver. BPH is caused by an infection with the bacteria Bartonella henselae (formerly Rochalimae ) and occurs in patients with advanced AIDS.
  • Patients present with generalized and nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, weight loss, and malaise. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be prominent.
  • Skin manifestations include reddish vascular papules that can be confused with KS. On abdominal examination, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy are the most prominent features.
  • Histopathologic examination of the liver lesions shows multiple cystic blood-filled spaces within fibromyxoid areas.
  • The treatment of choice is erythromycin for at least 4 to 6 weeks, but doxycycline is a safe alternative.
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