Ischaemic hepatitis in an elderly woman

An elderly woman presented with very high levels of transaminases and lactic dehydrogenase in her liver function tests. Viral and drug-induced hepatitis were considered unlikely because of the absence of risk factors. Sepsis was suspected and antibiotic treatment was started with clinical improvement. A retrospective diagnosis of ischaemic hepatitis due to septicaemia was made. Markedly raised liver transaminases need not always be drug-induced or viral-related, especially in the elderly. It could be ischaemic in origin and the serious underlying condition needs to be sought and treated urgently.