Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Laparoscopic Anatomical Right Hemihepatectomy via the In Situ Anterior Approach
05:30

Laparoscopic Anatomical Right Hemihepatectomy via the In Situ Anterior Approach

Published on: August 8, 2025

Peliosis hepatis with initial presentation as acute hepatic failure and intraperitoneal hemorrhage in children

E Jacquemin1, D Pariente, M Fabre

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Hepatology, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.

Journal of Hepatology
|July 16, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Acute peliosis hepatis can be a life-threatening condition in children, presenting as liver failure and hemorrhage. Early diagnosis via ultrasonography is crucial for managing this rare pediatric liver disease.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Vascular Liver Diseases

Background:

  • Peliosis hepatis is typically chronic in adults, associated with wasting disorders or drugs.
  • It involves blood-filled lacunar spaces within the liver parenchyma.
  • Rarely reported in children, usually with different clinical presentations.

Observation:

  • Two previously healthy children presented with acute hepatic failure.
  • Both cases were linked to Escherichia coli pyelonephritis.
  • Active intraperitoneal hemorrhage from liver lesions was noted in both patients.

Findings:

  • Liver ultrasonography revealed multiple, varied-sized hypoechoic areas.
  • These findings, in the context of pyelonephritis, suggested peliosis hepatis.
  • One child succumbed to hypovolemic shock; the other recovered.

Implications:

  • Acute peliosis hepatis is a critical, potentially fatal pediatric condition.
  • Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool in suspected pediatric cases.
  • Prompt recognition and management are vital for improving outcomes in children.

More Related Videos

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review05:06

Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Splenectomy In Children: A Case Report with Literature Review

Published on: March 27, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...