Peliosis hepatis: an overlooked cause of recurrent abdominal pain

Peliosis hepatis (PH) is a rare condition that is characterized by a tumor-like liver lesion with blood-filled cavities in the liver parenchyma. When used solely, imaging modalities cannot differentiate PH from liver carcinoma, metastatic deposits and liver abscess. We herein present a case of a 37-year-old male patient presenting for recurrent bouts of abdominal pain with no history of liver diseases or recent drug usage. Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI demonstrated the presence of a liver lesion but failed to make an accurate diagnosis of the lesion. An ultrasound-guided liver biopsy followed by laparoscopy were performed. Histopathology revealed multiple sinusoidal dilatations with blood-filled cystic spaces, corroborating a diagnosis of PH. The patient performed clinically well after surgery and was followed-up in 1 year with good recovery. His abdominal pain had completely subsided.