Link to Pubmed [PMID] – 17197809
AIDS 2007 Jan;21(2):187-92
OBJECTIVE: To describe and explain the syndrome of HIV-associated cryptogenic liver disease in eight consecutive patients suffering from portal hypertension.
METHODS: The study was undertaken at a liver disease centre in Paris and involved eight of 97 consecutive HIV-infected patients presenting abnormal liver function tests and/or symptomatic portal hypertension of unknown origin. Serology, pathology, and liver function tests were performed.
RESULTS: A clear nodular architecture corresponding to nodular regenerative hyperplasia was observed in seven patients and suggested in one, based on the presence of sinusoidal dilatation in a clinical context of portal hypertension, without overt liver disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Nodular regenerative hyperplasia appears to be a new cause of portal hypertension in HIV-infected patients. This syndrome can be of critical importance as patients can be exposed to the significant complications of portal hypertension and to refractory ascites which may require liver transplantation.