MISCELLANEOUS LIVER DISORDERS

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 shoul d be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatocellular cancer . Venoocclusive disease of the liver occurs after bone marrow transpla ntation, especially if the following risk factors are present: pretran splant elevation of aminotransferases, or previous therapy with cyclov ir, vancomycin, or abdominal radiation. Hepatobiliary complications of total parenteral nutrition may not be due to the actual nutrients, bu t may reflect a decrease in enteric enzyme stimulation (less cholecyst okinin release). Another possible mechanism may be the colonization of the gut by bacterial flora that produce toxins. Prophylactic antimicr obial therapy in experimental animal models reduced the incidence of h epatobiliary sequelae.