Liver lesions due to long-term use of anabolic steroids and oral contraceptives

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1976 Dec 11;120(50):2214-20.

[Liver lesions due to long-term use of anabolic steroids and oral contraceptives]

[Article in Dutch]

Bakker K, Brouwers TM, Houthoff HJ, Postma A.

PIP: Multiple liver tumors were observed in 2 women, 14 and 30 years of age, who
had taken anabolic steroids over a period of years. In one case peliosis hepatis
was found. 2 patients, 24 and 34 years of age, who had used oral contraceptives
(o.c.s) for 9-10 years, were also examined for liver tumors. In one patient an
increased uptake of the left hepatic lobe was observed, which corrected itself
after discontinuation of o.c. use. Focal nodular hyperplasia was found in the
other patient. 3 types of liver tumors are distinguished: focal nodular
hyperplasia, hepaticellular carcinoma, and peliosis hepatis. They can be
associated with long-term o.c. use, usually in younger women. Pain and swelling
are the first symptoms of such tumors, and tests show slightly elevated liver
enzyme values. A diagnosis can be reached using scintigram, angiogram, or
angiography. Surgery to remove the tumor is indicated in the event of bleeding.