Monstrous Ascites in Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Abstract

Background: Hepatic involvement in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) consisting of fibrosis, telangiectases, and cirrhosis, has been reported as a relatively frequent finding. Case: A 50-year-old man with HHT presented with monstrous ascites. Liver biopsy demonstrated multiple dilated sinusoids but not cirrhosis. There were no findings indicative of portal hypertension or malignant disease. Portal pressure, recorded in hepatic vein wedge position, was normal. Arteriography showed numerous hypervascular lesions throughout the liver. The clinical course has been stable for more than 2 years. Conclusion: No other reason for the monstrous ascites could be found. We thus hypothesize that this case of monstrous ascites is due to hepatic involvement in HHT, presenting as numerous vascular lesions throughout the liver.

Key Words:

• Ascites
• telangiectasia
• haemorrhagic
• vascular anomalies