Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps, Related to Hepatoportal Sclerosis

Abstract

We describe a case of hepatoportal sclerosis (HPS) identified in an 81-year-old woman taking a traditional Chinese herbal supplementation, Cordyceps. The patient presented with splenomegaly and weight loss. After an extensive evaluation, liver biopsy confirmed loss of the small portal veins with characteristics of obstruction at the level of the small and large portal veins, suggestive of HPS. After a comprehensive history and exclusion of other etiological factors, patient's HPS was attributed to Cordyceps use. Ultimately, the patient's features of HPS improved with the cessation of Cordyceps.