[Peliosis hepatis. A clinical status inventory].

Peliosis hepatis is a rare condition, recognizable by macroscopical view. It is characterized by multiple blood-filled cystic spaces in the liver parenchyma. According to 49 out of 152 more recent case reports (1951-1981/82) its spontaneous occurrence is frequently associated with malignant and toxic processes. However, in about 70% peliosis may be induced by the action of certain drugs, especially by 17 alpha-alkylated steroids. Usually peliosis is found by chance at autopsy or peritoneoscopy, as the clinical picture does not provide sufficient conclusive criteria to allow a definite diagnosis. The striking macroscopical appearance contrasts to the dispute on the as yet unestablished natural history. As most important complication spontaneous intraabdominal bleeding can occur in occasional cases. On the other hand, the patients predominantly die of their underlying diseases and not of a peliosis hepatis.