Adrenalectomy to treat reactivated chronic hepatitis B infection in a patient with a steroid-secreting adrenal tumour. (20th January 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, P J; Suri, D
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2011
• Publication Date: 2011-01-20
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr.11.2010.3508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : We present a case of reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by a steroid-producing adrenal tumour. The tumour caused a reactivation and subsequent flare of the patients' HBV. The adrenal tumour was treated with an adrenalectomy and as a consequence the patients' transaminitis and viral load fell rapidly without the need for any additional hepatitis B treatment. The role of hepatitis B and steroid priming is discussed and the possible immunological mechanisms that underpin this phenomenon.