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.

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