Acute-on-chronic liver failure due to thiamazole in a patient with hyperthyroidism and trilogy of Fallot: case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Thiamazole is a widely used antithyroid agent that has been approved for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Although thiamazole-induced hepatotoxicity is a main side effect, it may progress to liver failure in a very few cases.

CASE PRESENTATION:

We described a 24-year-old patient with hyperthyroidism and trilogy of Fallot, who developed liver failure due to thiamazole. Liver biopsy showed intrahepatic cholestasis, mild inflammatory infiltrates, as well as significant fibrosis, indicating both acute and chronic liver injuries. Although a series of potent therapies were given, the patient deceased due to severe liver decompensation.

CONCLUSIONS:

This case suggests that thiamazole-induced hepatotoxicity in the setting of advanced fibrosis increases the risk of poor outcome. Regular liver function monitoring during thiamazole therapy is therefore important.

• Authors: Chuan Shen, Cai-Yan Zhao, Fang Liu, Ya-Dong Wang, Jun Yu
• Journal: BMC gastroenterology (BMC Gastroenterol) Vol. 10 Pg. 93 (Aug 14 2010) ISSN: 1471-230X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20707932 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antithyroid Agents
• Methimazole

Topics

• Antithyroid Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Fatal Outcome
• Humans
• Hyperthyroidism (drug therapy)
• Liver Failure (chemically induced, diagnosis)
• Male
• Methimazole (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Trilogy of Fallot (complications)
• Young Adult