Propylthiouracil-induced fatal hepatic necrosis

Am J Gastroenterol. 1987 Feb;82(2):152-4.

Abstract

We present a fatal case of acute submassive hepatic necrosis occurring in a 42-yr-old black woman treated for hyperthyroidism with propylthiouracil for 1 yr. Alcohol and drug abuse were ruled out and all serological tests for hepatitis A and B, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus infection were negative. At autopsy the liver was shrunken and presented a yellow granular appearance. Microscopy disclosed submassive necrosis with bile stasis and severe chronic inflammation, as well as mild bile duct proliferation. Although non-A, non-B hepatitis cannot be ruled out (there was no transfusion of blood or its products), this is considered to be the third fatal case and ninth instance of propylthiouracil-induced hepatic necrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / chemically induced*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / drug therapy
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Necrosis
  • Propylthiouracil / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Propylthiouracil