Herpes Simplex Virus-2 Hepatitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. (21st February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmed, Amna; Granillo, Alejandro; Burns, Ethan; Glassner, Kerri; Naseem, Nishath; Force, Christopher; Crumley, Suzanne M.; Drews, Ashley
• Other Names: Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in medicine. Volume 2020(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-21
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Case Reports; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2020/8613840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9627

Abstract

Abstract : Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a rare cause of hepatitis in pregnancy and the chronically immunosuppressed, with a high propensity to progress to acute liver failure (ALF) and death. Patients typically present with a nonspecific clinical picture that often delays diagnosis and treatment, contributing to the high mortality rate. We present a case of a young female on chronic prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who was diagnosed with HSV-2 hepatitis after presenting with right-sided chest and abdominal discomfort. Despite early clinical deterioration, prompt initiation of therapy with intravenous acyclovir and methylprednisolone led to rapid improvement.