Liver failure and the sea-blue histiocyte/adult Niemann-Pick disease. Case report and review of the literature

J Clin Gastroenterol. 1992 Sep;15(2):146-9. doi: 10.1097/00004836-199209000-00013.

Abstract

Niemann-Pick disease is a metabolic disorder resulting in accumulation of sphingomyelin in visceral organs. The adult form (type B) is characterized by the sparing of brain involvement, allowing those affected to have a relatively benign course. Although the abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver is commonly recognized, hepatocellular compromise is extremely rare. We describe a patient with adult Niemann-Pick disease who over the course of over 35 years developed hepatic failure and portal hypertension, and we review the literature regarding hepatic involvement in this rare disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Histiocytes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Portal / etiology*
  • Hypertension, Portal / pathology
  • Liver Failure / etiology*
  • Liver Failure / pathology
  • Niemann-Pick Diseases / complications*
  • Niemann-Pick Diseases / pathology