[Intrahepatic cholestasis due to N-propyl ajmaline]

In two patients intrahepatic cholestasis and cholestatic liver disease probably due to N-propyl ajmaline were observed. In both cases there was a four-week-interval between the first ingestion of the drug and the onset of jaundice. In one case with rigors there was a temporary rise in temperature and cholestasis. In the other there was a two to three week prodromal period of pruritus and gastro-intestinal symptoms. Both cases were characterised by blood and pronounced tissue eosinophilia in the periportal zones, a marked increase of cholestatic and hepatic cell enzymes, serum bilirubin and cholesterol, a moderate increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and absence of leucocytosis. Pathological laboratory findings returned to normal spontaneously within 5 weeks in one case and within two weeks under steroid therapy in the other.