Amyloidosis can involve the liver. It should be suspected in patients with amyloid who have an unexplained elevation of alkaline phosphatase. Inflammatory pseudotumor of the liver is a rare condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatocellular cancer. Venoocclusive disease of the liver occurs after bone marrow transplantation, especially if the following risk factors are present: pretransplant elevation of aminotransferases, or previous therapy with cyclovir, vancomycin, or abdominal radiation. Hepatobiliary complications of total parenteral nutrition may not be due to the actual nutrients, but may reflect a decrease in enteric enzyme stimulation (less cholecystokinin release). Another possible mechanism may be the colonization of the gut by bacterial flora that produce toxins. Prophylactic antimicrobial therapy in experimental animal models reduced the incidence of hepatobiliary sequelae.
展开▼
