Peliosis hepatis. An unusual case involving the spleen and lymph nodes

A case of peliosis hepatis in a 52-year-old woman with unusual involvement of the spleen and lymph nodes is described. The initial sign was intraperitoneal hemorrhage from the splenic lesion, recessitating splenectomy. The hepatic lesion, which was first noticed during the operation, rapidly progressed and eventually resulted in hepatic rupture with fatal intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Serial sections treated by silver impregnation revealed degeneration and dissolution of the fine reticulin framework in the involved organs, suggesting the possible morphogenesis of the peliotic lesion. The patient had no history of any underlying disorders or of medication with steroids.