Herpes simplex virus hepatitis 4 years after liver transplantation.
If not promptly recognized and treated, herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is associated with a high mortality. A patient transplanted for primary sclerosing cholangitis required, 4 years later, a colectomy for a steroid-resistant flare of ulcerative colitis. He subsequently developed fever, with genital and oral ulcerations. He was hospitalized for diabetic decompensation with massive elevation of serum aminotransferases. Examination revealed vesicles on the hands. Liver biopsy showed Cowdry type B inclusions. Therapy with acyclovir was immediately initiated and the patient recovered. This case illustrates the diagnostic importance of mucocutaneous lesions in the assessment of complications after liver transplantation.
Bissig
Karl-Dimiter
KD
Division of Internal Medicine, Bern, Inselspital, Switzerland.
Zimmermann
Arthur
A
Bernasch
Dirke
D
Furrer
Hansjakob
H
Dufour
Jean-FranCois
JF
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015209:Cholangitis, Sclerosing / Q000601:surgery; D003082:Colectomy; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000601:surgery; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D012086:Reoperation; D018139:Simplexvirus
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir