Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model
Published on: May 15, 2011
Cardioversion-induced fulminant ischaemic hepatitis
M Moriel1, G Morali, E Rosenmann
1Department of Cardiology, Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel. cardio@szmc.org.il
Insights
Fulminant hepatitis can occur in heart failure patients due to ischaemic hepatitis. Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation may transiently reduce cardiac output, inducing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Ischaemic hepatitis is a potential complication in patients with congestive heart failure.
- It is characterized by a rapid increase in transaminases following circulatory compromise.
Observation:
- Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation can transiently decrease cardiac output in over a third of patients.
- This transient reduction in cardiac output may precipitate ischaemic hepatitis.
Findings:
- This case report details the first instance of fulminant ischaemic hepatitis following cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
- The patient presented with acute liver injury secondary to reduced cardiac output.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider ischaemic hepatitis in patients with congestive heart failure presenting with acute liver failure after cardioversion.
- Recognizing this association is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of liver injury in cardiac patients.
Abstract:
Ischaemic hepatitis, although infrequent, should be considered as a cause of fulminant hepatitis in patients with congestive heart failure. Ischaemic hepatitis is characterized by a marked rise in transaminases occurring within 24-48 h of circulatory failure. Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm is associated with an increase in cardiac output in most patients; however, a transient reduction in cardiac output may occur in more than one-third of patients, and may therefore induce ischaemic hepatitis. This is the first report of fulminant ischaemic hepatitis as a complication of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
Related Concept Videos
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Hepatic Encephalopathy

