Hepatic granulomas are small abnormal clumps of cells that form in the liver when certain disorders are present or certain drugs are taken.
(See also Overview of Liver Tumors.)
Granulomas themselves usually cause no problems, but the disorders that cause them may.
Granulomas have many causes. The most common are
Certain drugs
Certain disorders that affect the whole body (often infections, such as tuberculosis and schistosomiasis)
Granulomas occur less commonly in liver disorders but may be present in primary biliary cholangitis.
Granulomas may form when cells of the immune system gather to respond to irritants or to defend the body against foreign substances in the liver. Usually, liver function is unaffected, although liver-related blood tests may be abnormal. Granulomas may form as part of widespread inflammation, which may be a reaction to a drug or to an infection. If inflammation is widespread, the liver may malfunction. Rarely, the inflammation results in scar tissue and high blood pressure in the veins that bring blood from the intestine to the liver (called portal hypertension).
Symptoms of Hepatic Granulomas
Granulomas themselves typically cause no symptoms. The liver may enlarge slightly, and mild jaundice (a yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes) may develop. Other symptoms, if they develop, result from the disorder causing the granulomas. Granulomas caused by sarcoidosis may disappear spontaneously or persist for years without causing any noticeable symptoms.
Idiopathic granulomatous hepatitis is a rare disorder of unknown cause. It causes granulomas, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms often occur intermittently for years.
Diagnosis of Hepatic Granulomas
Liver imaging tests
Sometimes liver biopsy
Doctors ask questions about drug use and other disorders that could cause granulomas. Doctors also do blood tests to evaluate the liver and imaging tests, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the results may be inconclusive. Biopsy (removal of a small sample of liver tissue with a needle for examination under a microscope) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Other tests, such as cultures, may be needed to identify the cause.
Treatment of Hepatic Granulomas
Treatment of underlying disorder
For sarcoidosis, sometimes corticosteroids
The underlying disorder is treated. Stopping a drug that can cause granulomas or treating an infection usually causes the granulomas to disappear.
Sometimes corticosteroids are used to treat sarcoidosis, but whether they prevent the disorder from progressing is uncertain.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
American Liver Foundation: Hosts community education programs that give an overview of all aspects of liver disease and wellness. Also provides access to support groups, information on finding a physician, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
