Sinusoidal dilatation of the liver in patients on oral contraceptives. Electron microscopical study of 14 cases.

Electron microscopic studies on sinusoidal dilatation of the liver were reported in 14 patients on oral contraceptives. The architecture of dilated sinusoids was preserved together with a striking perisinusoidal fibrosis. Proliferation and enhanced activity of sinusoidal endothelial cells and of perisinusoidal cells could be observed. The lumen of the dilated sinusoids was empty with no extravasation of the erythrocytes. The changes were different from peliosis hepatis described in association with the taking of androgenic-anabolic steroids.