Hepatic Granulomas of Unknown Cause

Hwang, Ho Geun; Kim, Je Hyung; Yang, Sei Hoon; Ahn, Seon Ho; Seo, Geom Seog; Choi, Suck Chei; Kim, Haak Chul; Nah, Yong Ho

Abstract

Hepatic granuloma is an uncommon entity, occurring in various conditions; infectious disease, sarcoidosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, drug reactions, and unknown etiology. It represents the hosts immunologic response. Granulomas are most frequent near the portal tracts, are sharply defined and do not disturb the normal pattern of the liver. The histopathologic findings consist of pale-staining, epithelioid cells with surrounding lymphocytes, giant cells, and central caseation nec.rosis. Older lesions may be surrounded by a fibrous capsule, and hyaline change. We experienced hepatic granuloma of unknown etiology diagnosed by its clinical features, laboratory findings and liver biopsy and this case underwent surgical excision of the mass, subsidence of his symptoms. We report this case with review of the related literature.