A unique presentation of acute liver failure from herpes simplex virus hepatitis.

TitleA unique presentation of acute liver failure from herpes simplex virus hepatitis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsGutierrez C, Kebriaei P, Turner KA, Yemelyanova A, Ariza-Heredia EJ, Foo WC
JournalTranspl Infect Dis
Volume18
Issue4
Pagination592-4
Date Published2016 Aug
ISSN1399-3062
KeywordsAcyclovir, Adrenal Cortex Hormones, Antiviral Agents, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Drug Resistance, Viral, Fatal Outcome, Foscarnet, Graft vs Host Disease, Hepatitis, Viral, Human, Humans, Liver, Liver Failure, Acute, Male, Middle Aged, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Patient Comfort, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Simplexvirus, Transaminases, Transplantation, Homologous, Valacyclovir, Valine
Abstract

We present the case of a patient, with history of myelodysplastic syndrome and recent bone marrow transplant, who developed fulminant liver failure secondary to herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis. His presentation was unique, as findings of liver microabscesses on computed tomography scan have not been described previously in this patient population. Despite initial treatment with acyclovir, he continued to deteriorate, and later sensitivities found the HSV strain to be resistant to acyclovir. HSV hepatitis with secondary liver failure is rare and, without appropriate treatment, its mortality is >80%. Early suspicion and immediate therapy are the keys to improve patient survival.

DOI10.1111/tid.12556
Alternate JournalTranspl Infect Dis
PubMed ID27222930
Related Faculty: 
Anna Yemelyanova, M.D.

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