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Published on: February 10, 2015
Mastabol induced acute cholestasis: A case report.
Brett M Hymel1, David W Victor, Luis Alvarez
1Brett M Hymel, Department of Gastroenterology, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
This case study reports the first instance of cholestatic liver injury caused by the anabolic steroid Mastabol (Dromastanolone Di-Propionate). It emphasizes considering such substances in diagnosing unexplained hepatic issues.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Anabolic steroids are frequently misused for performance enhancement.
- Certain anabolic steroids, particularly those with 17 alpha-alkylation, are known to cause cholestatic liver injury.
- Mastabol (Dromastanolone Di-Propionate), a 17 beta-hydroxyl compound, was previously thought to have minimal hepatic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of cholestatic liver injury associated with Mastabol (Dromastanolone Di-Propionate) use.
- To highlight the potential hepatotoxicity of injectable anabolic steroids.
- To emphasize the importance of considering anabolic steroid use in the differential diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 26-year-old male presenting with jaundice and elevated liver enzymes.
- Clinical presentation, laboratory findings (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT), and physical examination were documented.
- Liver biopsy was performed to assess the nature of the hepatic insult.
Main Results:
- The patient developed jaundice, dark urine, and pruritus after self-administering Mastabol.
- Liver function tests revealed elevated bilirubin (23.6 mg/dL) and alkaline phosphatase (441 U/L).
- Liver biopsy confirmed acute drug-induced cholestasis with centrilobular insult and neutrophilic infiltrates.
Conclusions:
- This is the first reported case of Mastabol-induced cholestatic liver injury.
- Physicians should consider anabolic steroid use, including injectable forms like Mastabol, in patients with unexplained hepatic injury.
- The findings suggest that even anabolic steroids without 17 alpha-alkylation may pose a risk for cholestatic liver injury.
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