[Encapsulating peri-hepatitis. Apropos of 4 cases].

The authors report 4 cases of encapsulating peri-hepatitis, including an angiographic study. Selective arteriography of the coeliac trunk showed extremely sinuous intra-hepatic arteries in 3 of these cases, and obstruction of the portal vein, in one case. Catheterisation of the hepatic veins showed a pressure gradient between the obstructed hepatic vein and the free supra-hepatic pressure, showing a post-sinusoidal block. In 2 of the 4 cases, ascites was chylous. Lymphography carried out via lymphatics in the foot was negative in 3 cases where it was carried out. One case showed, on two successive laparoscopies, that micro-nodular cirrhosis was present before the development of encapsulating peri-hepatitis.