Hepatitis E Infection With Acute Liver Failure. Issue 3 (18th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Phan, Timothy; Desmond, Christopher
• Is Part Of: ACG Case Reports Journal. Volume 7:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: e00361
• Publication Date: 2020-03-18
• DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000000361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2326-3253

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A 21-year-old man from India presented with acute hepatitis associated with a 1-week history of abdominal pain, pruritus, and dark urine. Over a 7-day admission, the patient's acute hepatitis evolved into acute liver failure with low-grade encephalopathy, markedly elevated transaminases, bilirubin, and impaired hepatic synthetic function. He was eventually diagnosed with acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) and was transitioned to supportive management. Acute HEV is a rare cause of acute liver failure. Hence, this case highlights the importance of early consideration of HEV in all patients with acute hepatitis who have originated from endemic regions.