Abstract: Damage to the liver or kidney can occur through direct toxic effects; however, damage can also be drug-induced immune-mediated. Levamisole-adulterated cocaine (LAC) is known to cause antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis leading to acute kidney injury and end-stage renal disease. It remains unclear whether LAC is associated with hepatic duct damage. Here, we report a case with biopsy-proven evidence of intrahepatic duct damage months after being diagnosed with ANCA-associated crescentic and sclerosing glomerulonephritis caused by LAC use. This case represents the first report of LAC-induced ANCA-associated hepatic duct cholestasis in the setting of previous LAC-induced ANCA-positive glomerulonephritis. PubDate: Wed, 23 Dec 2020 07:50:01 +000
Abstract: Cirrhotic patients are known to be particularly susceptible to infectious complications that may vary according to regional endemic patterns. Brucellosis, a common zoonosis with worldwide distribution, exhibits a predilection for the reticuloendothelial system and thus resulting in hepatic involvement. We describe three cirrhotic patients in whom acute brucellosis and/or its treatment served as the triggering factor of hepatic decompensation, with deleterious effects. The patients suffered from alcoholic cirrhosis and culture-proven brucellosis. All patients came from an area endemic to brucellosis. The first patient exhibited a relapsing brucellosis course with progressive deterioration of his fragile liver function. The second patient progressed rapidly to jaundice, possibly partly attributed to antibiotic pharmacotoxicity, and died during liver transplantation. The third patient eventually succumbed to diffuse intravascular coagulation. Brucellosis can be a triggering event of fatal liver decompensation in cirrhotic patients. Enhancing health literacy of the patients, particularly in endemic areas, is of paramount importance for prevention of exposure to similar pathogens. PubDate: Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:50:00 +000
Abstract: A man in his 80s was administered lenvatinib to treat multiple hepatocellular carcinomas. After starting lenvatinib, he was admitted to our hospital for fever and epigastric tenderness. Conjunctival icterus and conjunctival pallor were observed. Computed tomography showed high density areas in his tumors which were suggestive of intratumoral hemorrhage and tumor rupture. As a result, the patient underwent an emergent angiography and arterial embolization. PubDate: Sat, 19 Dec 2020 06:20:00 +000
Abstract: Portal hypertension caused by cirrhosis is the most common etiology of esophageal varices. However, abnormalities of the splenoportal axis in the absence of liver disease may also cause portal hypertension resulting in varices. We report a rare case of esophageal variceal bleed in a noncirrhotic patient with isolated splenomegaly secondary to chronic granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy. The patient is a 26-year-old male with Cohen syndrome who required long-term G-CSF treatment for chronic neutropenia. He presented with large volume hematemesis and pancytopenia in the setting of known splenomegaly with no evidence of cirrhosis. An urgent EGD revealed active variceal bleeding and portal hypertensive gastropathy. The patient was appropriately resuscitated and underwent a successful transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and CT-guided coil placement for the bleeding varices. We are the first to report variceal bleed as a complication of long-term G-CSF use, a life-threatening consequence that requires urgent intervention. PubDate: Fri, 18 Dec 2020 07:20:00 +000
Abstract: Objective. Under normal conditions, adult hepatocytes express only keratin-8 (K8) and keratin-18 (K18), whereas cholangiocytes also express K19. In this study, we delineate the pattern of normal time-course changes in serum K19 and K18 levels after liver transplantation. Patients and Methods. Serum levels of the K19 fragment CYFRA 21-1 and the K18 fragments tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS) and M30 (a neoepitope that is generated after caspase cleavage during apoptosis) were measured at baseline and at regular intervals (up to 6 months) after liver transplantation in 11 adult patients. Results. There was a gradual decrease in serum K19 concentrations from baseline values after transplantation, following a time-course pattern similar to that of serum bilirubin. In contrast, serum concentrations of K18 fragments increased markedly shortly after transplantation and gradually decreased thereafter, following a time-course pattern similar to that of serum transaminases. The increase in TPS tended to occur earlier than that in M30, suggesting an initial predominance of hepatocyte necrosis followed by a predominance of apoptosis in the first days after transplantation. Five patients presented posttransplant complications (acute rejection in three cases and HCV recurrence in two cases). An early increase in serum K19 concentrations was observed in all cases. An increase in serum concentrations of K18 fragments (M30 and TPS) was observed in the two cases with HCV recurrence and was more variable in the three cases with acute rejection. Conclusions. Serum concentrations of K19 and K18 fragments follow a dissimilar pattern of time-course changes after liver transplantation. The diagnostic value of variations in these normal patterns should be addressed in future studies. PubDate: Tue, 01 Dec 2020 12:20:00 +000
Abstract: A 61-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis presented with a parotid mass. Fine-needle aspiration of the parotid gland revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. Lumbar puncture confirmed cryptococcal meningitis. Multiple splenic lesions with radiographic features consistent with cryptococcal splenic abscesses were also seen. Despite antifungal therapy, the patient died 17 days after infection was confirmed. This is the first report of a cryptococcal parotid abscess in a patient with liver cirrhosis. PubDate: Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:50:00 +000
Abstract: A 77-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) infection, who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon (IFN) therapy, was followed up regularly. Before IFN therapy, he did not have metabolic diseases, and the histological diagnosis of his chronic hepatitis was stage-3 fibrosis. After achieving SVR, the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index level dropped once but gradually increased. 21 years after SVR, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was diagnosed by dynamic computed tomography. The HCC was 12 mm in diameter. The HCC was treated with radiofrequency ablation. CH-C patients with advanced fibrosis require long-term follow-up, even after achieving SVR. PubDate: Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:35:01 +000
Abstract: Gemcitabine is an antineoplastic drug used in several forms of advanced pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, and bladder cancer. Common side effects include bone marrow suppression, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, rash, alopecia, and stomatitis. Transient serum enzyme elevations could be observed during therapy, but clinically significant acute liver injury has been rarely associated with its use. Few cases of acute liver injury have been reported in the literature. We reported the clinical case of a 73--year-old man who developed clinically significant acute hepatic injury after using gemcitabine. Possible causes, clinical presentation, and treatments are discussed. According to the updated RUCAM score, the case was rated 10 points and became a suspected drug-induced liver injury. Moreover, on the liver biopsy, there were histological findings of mild-to-moderate portal hepatitis, eosinophilia, bile duct injury, and mild perisinusoidal fibrosis, suggesting drug damage. PubDate: Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:35:00 +000
Abstract: Subcapsular liver hematoma (SLH) is a rare complication of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome. We report a previously healthy 16-year-old female presenting with pre-eclampsia requiring emergent C-section, who developed immediate postoperative bleeding and abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a large encapsulated liver hematoma with active extravasation. The patient was successfully treated with a multidisciplinary approach with medical and surgical management. PubDate: Wed, 16 Sep 2020 14:35:00 +000
Abstract: Disulfiram is a drug used to treat alcohol dependence since many years. It interferes with the metabolism of alcohol, may be associated with neurological and dermatological symptoms, and can be hepatotoxic. Due to the frequent coexistent liver test alterations due to alcohol, the true incidence of disulfiram-associated liver injury is unclear and severity of injury may vary from mildly elevated liver enzymes to fulminant hepatitis leading to death. There are several reported cases of disulfiram hepatitis in the literature. Liver histology, when available, demonstrates some degree of portal inflammation with eosinophils and hepatocyte necrosis. We present here a well-documented case of acute hepatitis due to disulfiram with typical histological lesions, favorable outcome following drug withdrawal, and a brief steroid course. The risk of hepatotoxicity should be kept in mind when prescribing disulfiram. PubDate: Wed, 09 Sep 2020 11:20:01 +000
Abstract: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare condition characterized by a pathologic immune dysregulation resulting in extreme inflammation. Clinical manifestations are varied but can include severe multiorgan failure and death. HLH has been associated with malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and infections, such as histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis commonly has subclinical manifestations but can also present in its disseminated form. We present the case of an immunocompromised patient with worsening liver function caused by hepatic histoplasmosis that later triggered HLH with severe multiorgan dysfunction. PubDate: Thu, 20 Aug 2020 07:50:02 +000
Abstract: A male bodybuilder of 39 years of age developed severe pruritus, nausea, and jaundice after injecting anabolic steroids purchased on the black market. The patient had no history of liver disease and no risk factors for viral hepatitis. Extensive laboratory testing, radiographic imaging, and liver biopsy excluded a majority of potential pathologies. The patient was diagnosed with drug-induced acute liver injury and secondary acute renal failure most likely caused by testosterone purchased on the black market. The pruritus caused insomnia and significant psychological distress. Treatment was initiated with cholestyramine and naltrexone for one week with no effect on the pruritus. Subsequently, all medications were stopped, and rifampicin was started. Pruritus resolved after starting rifampicin, and liver and kidney function improved rapidly and normalized within 5 months. PubDate: Sat, 08 Aug 2020 07:05:01 +000
Abstract: Biliary complications following liver transplant are common. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are the main techniques used to diagnose and treat biliary complications; however, these techniques have limits to the depth of visualization. In this report, we present five cases of orthotopic liver transplant patients with biliary complications that underwent ERCP- or MRCP-guided cholangioscopy with the SpyGlass™ DS Direct Visualization System (SDDVS). The SDDVS allowed for the visualization of the morphological characteristics of biliary strictures, and images collected using the SDDVS allowed for four of the cases to be treated endoscopically. Our findings suggest that cholangioscopy with the SDDVS is a promising method to guide the endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation. PubDate: Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:35:00 +000
Abstract: A 33-year-old Caucasian female with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and was found to have acute liver injury. After thorough investigation, she was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) thought secondary to redosing of Natalizumab therapy. PubDate: Tue, 16 Jun 2020 14:05:01 +000
Abstract: Crizotinib is a first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer. Crizotinib-induced hepatotoxicity is a rare event. We report a case of a 46-year-old female with a history of metastatic lung cancer who presented with acute liver failure after being on crizotinib for two months. The medication was discontinued, and she was treated with N-acetylcysteine for seven days. Her liver function tests returned to normal limits after 26 days after admission. The precise mechanism and risk factors of crizotinib-induced hepatotoxicity remain unknown. Physicians should be aware of the potentially lethal side effect caused by crizotinib. PubDate: Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:35:01 +000
Abstract: The patient is a 75-year-old man with history of diabetes and hypertension who presented with syncope after experiencing sharp, 10/10 right flank and abdominal pain worsening over three weeks associated with decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly and right lower quadrant (RUQ) tenderness, negative for peritoneal signs. Bloodwork showed leukocytosis (13 K/mcl), alkaline phosphatase (141 U/L), total bilirubin (2.0 mg/dL), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (172 U/L). Computed Tomography (CT) revealed multiple hepatic cysts with the largest measuring 17 × 14 × 18 cm (Figure 1). Parenteral opiates provided minimal relief. Cardiac and neurologic etiologies of syncope were ruled out. The patient’s course was complicated by opioid-induced delirium as his abdominal pain progressively worsened despite escalating doses of parenteral and oral analgesics. Gastroenterology and interventional radiology consulted to evaluate for Glisson’s capsular stretch. Therapeutic aspiration yielded 2.5 L of serous fluid, which alleviated the patient’s pain. Cytology was negative for malignancy. Opiates were titrated down. Repeat CT (Figure 2) showed cysts that were significantly reduced in size. The patient showed complete resolution of symptoms and was subsequently discharged. We present a rare case of a large hepatic cyst causing syncope. In the appropriate clinical setting, syncope with RUQ tenderness and hepatomegaly should raise the index of suspicion for hepatic cysts. PubDate: Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:05:10 +000
Abstract: While erythromycin has caused numerous cases of acute liver failure (ALF), clarithromycin, a similar macrolide antibiotic, has caused only six reported cases of ALF. A new case of clarithromycin-associated ALF is reported with hepatic histopathology and exclusion of other etiologies by extensive workup, and the syndrome of clarithromycin-associated ALF is better characterized by systematic review. A 60-year-old nonalcoholic man, with normal baseline liver function tests, was admitted with diffuse abdominal pain and AST = 499 U/L and ALT = 539 U/L, six days after completing a 7-day course of clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for suspected upper respiratory infection. AST and ALT each rose to about 1,000 U/L on day-2 of admission, and rose to ≥6,000 U/L on day-3, with development of severe hepatic encephalopathy and severe coagulopathy. Planned liver biopsy was cancelled due to coagulopathies. Extensive evaluation for infectious, immunologic, and metabolic causes of liver disease was negative. Abdominal computerized tomography and abdominal ultrasound with Doppler were unremarkable. The patient developed massive, acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with coagulopathies. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was planned after massive blood product transfusions, but the patient rapidly expired from hemorrhagic shock. Autopsy revealed a golden-brown heavy liver with massive hepatic necrosis and sinusoidal congestion. Rise of AST/ALT to about 1,000 U/L each was temporally incompatible with shock liver because this rise preceded the hemorrhagic shock, but the subsequent AST/ALT rise to ≥6,000 U/L each may have had a component of shock liver. The six previously reported cases were limited by failure to exclude hepatitis E (4), lack of liver biopsy (2), and uninterpretable liver biopsy (1) and by confounding potential etiologies including disulfiram, israpidine, or recent acetaminophen use (3), clarithromycin overdose (1), active alcohol use (1), and severe heart failure (1). Review of 6 previously reported and current case of clarithromycin-associated ALF revealed that patients had AST and ALT values in the thousands. Five patients died and 2 survived. PubDate: Tue, 18 Feb 2020 14:50:03 +000
Abstract: Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) is the accumulation of glycogen in the hepatocytes and represents a rare complication in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), most commonly type 1 DM. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman with a medical history of poorly controlled type 1 DM and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who presented with progressively worsening right-sided abdominal pain. Diagnostic workup resulted in a liver biopsy with hepatocytes that stained heavily for glycogen with no evidence of fibrosis or steatohepatitis. A diagnosis of glycogenic hepatopathy was made, and an aggressive glucose control regimen was implemented leading to resolution of symptoms and improvement in AST, ALT, and ALP. In addition to presenting this rare case, we offer a review of literature and draw important distinctions between glycogenic hepatopathy and other differential diagnoses with the aim of assisting providers in the diagnostic workup and treatment of glycogenic hepatopathy. PubDate: Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:20:00 +000
Abstract: Heat stroke (HS) is a condition characterized by a rise in core body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction. It is divided into two types: classical and exertional. Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is accompanied by organ failure. Liver injury, presenting only with a rise in liver enzymes, is common but in rare conditions, acute liver failure (ALF) may ensue, leading to a potentially lethal condition. Most cases of EHS-induced ALF are managed conservatively. However, liver transplantation is considered for cases refractory to supportive treatment. Identifying patients eligible for liver transplantation in the context of an EHS-induced ALF becomes a medical dilemma since the conventional prognostic criterion may be difficult to apply, and there is paucity of literature about these specific sets of individuals. Recently, extracorporeal liver support has been gaining popularity for patients with liver failure as a bridge to liver transplant. In this case report, we present a young Filipino athlete with symptoms and clinical course consistent with EHS that developed multiorgan failure, initially considered a candidate for liver transplant and total plasma exchange, but clinically improved with supportive management alone. This patient was also found to have bimodal rhabdomyolysis during the course of his hospital stay as manifested by the bimodal rise in his creatine kinase enzymes. PubDate: Fri, 07 Feb 2020 17:05:00 +000
Abstract: Despite significant advances in transplantation of HIV-infected individuals, little is known about HIV coinfected patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes other than genotype 1, especially when receiving HCV-infected organs with a different genotype. We describe the first case of kidney transplantation in a man coinfected with hepatitis C and HIV in our state. To our knowledge, this is also the first report of an HIV/HCV/HBV tri-infected patient with non-1 (2a) HCV genotype who received an HCV-infected kidney graft with the discordant genotype (1a), to which he converted after transplant. Our case study highlights the following: (1) transplant centers need to monitor wait times for an HCV-infected organ and regularly assess the risk of delaying HCV antiviral treatment for HCV-infected transplant candidates in anticipation of the transplant from an HCV-infected donor; (2) closer monitoring of tacrolimus levels during the early phases of anti-HCV protease inhibitor introduction and discontinuation may be indicated; (3) donor genotype transmission can occur; (4) HIV/HCV coinfected transplant candidates require a holistic approach with emphasis on the cardiovascular risk profile and low threshold for cardiac catheterization as part of their pretransplant evaluation. PubDate: Thu, 30 Jan 2020 23:50:03 +000
Abstract: Background. Wilson disease is a rare metabolic disorder involving copper metabolism, and patients may present with a variable degree of hepatic, neurologic, and psychiatric manifestations. In the case of hepatic presentation, treatment is usually initiated with potentially toxic copper chelators (D-penicillamine or Trenton). Although zinc is of low toxicity and low cost for treatment of Wilson disease, it has been limited to the adjunctive as a single maintenance drug or for asymptomatic patients. The use of zinc monotherapy in patients suffering from a severe liver disease was not well studied. In our case report, we describe a pediatric patient who presented with liver failure and the use of zinc monotherapy in patients with severe hepatic manifestations. Case presentation. A 15-year-old male patient from Ethiopia presented with generalized body swelling (edema and ascites) with yellowish discoloration of his eyes and easy fatigability. He had hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, hypoalbuminemia, and deranged liver enzymes. He had a Keyser–Fleischer ring visible with the naked eye, which was confirmed by slit-lamp examination. He had very low serum ceruloplasmin ( PubDate: Tue, 14 Jan 2020 03:05:02 +000
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