Name of the Condition

• Peliosis hepatis
• Also known as hepatic peliosis.

Summary

• Peliosis hepatis is a rare liver condition characterized by the presence of multiple, blood-filled cystic cavities throughout the liver tissue. While the condition is often asymptomatic, it can sometimes lead to serious liver complications.

Causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but it has been associated with certain infections, medications (e.g., anabolic steroids, oral contraceptives), and underlying conditions such as Hodgkin's lymphoma and tuberculosis.

Risk Factors

• Use of anabolic steroids or oral contraceptives.
• Underlying chronic illnesses, especially those affecting liver or immune function.
• Presence of infections such as tuberculosis or HIV.

Symptoms

• It is often asymptomatic and may be found incidentally.
• Possible symptoms include abdominal pain, liver enlargement, jaundice, or signs of liver dysfunction in cases with significant liver involvement.

Diagnosis

• Typically involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
• Liver biopsy may be needed to confirm the presence of peliosis.

Treatment Options

• Discontinuation of any causative medication may lead to improvement.
• Management focuses on treating underlying infections or conditions.
• In severe cases, medical or surgical interventions may be required to manage complications.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause and the extent of liver involvement.
• Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is crucial to monitor liver function and manage any complications.

Complications

• Potential complications include liver failure, hemorrhage from ruptured cysts, and portal hypertension.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoidance of risk factors, such as unnecessary use of anabolic steroids or oral contraceptives without medical indication, can help reduce the risk.
• Addressing and managing underlying medical conditions effectively.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or signs of internal bleeding, such as vomiting blood or blood in stool.

Additional Resources

• American Liver Foundation: liverfoundation.org
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: niddk.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct ICD-10 code K76.4 is properly documented in the patient's medical record.
• Common coding errors include misclassification with other liver conditions; verify with biopsy or imaging results.