Mineral oil consumption may contribute to lipogranulomata in the human liver and spleen.

Abstract

Lipogranulomata (LG) are commonly seen in human tissues but the location and significance of these lesions are incompletely documented. In a study of 465 autopsies LG were found in 48% of livers and 46% of spleens. Hepatic LG were more common in portal tracts than adjacent to the terminal hepatic venules. There was a close correlation between hepatic LG in liver and in spleen. The incidence and severity of hepatic LG were higher in older adults, especially men. There was no evidence that LG caused hepatic dysfunction or portal hypertension. The absence of correlation with hepatic steatosis supports the suggestion that LG are secondary to mineral oil deposition rather than to steatosis.