Hepatic lipogranulomatosis simulating veno-occlusive disease of the liver

Two cases of unsuspected veno-occlusive disease of the liver were discovered at autopsy. Nearly all central veins and sublobular venules were occluded by lipogranulomas consisting of lipid-laden macrophages, epithelioid histiocytes, giant cells, fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and deposits of collagen. The process extended into the sublobular hepatic venules. Large hepatic veins were uninvolved. Known causes of veno-occlusive disease were ruled out, and the cause of the present cases is unknown.