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Erythromycin-induced hepatitis: simulator of malignancy
H D Rigauts1, D L Selleslag, P L Van Eyken
1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium.
Radiology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Erythromycin, an antibiotic, can cause drug-induced hepatitis, leading to liver lesions. Stopping the medication resulted in the complete resolution of these lesions, highlighting the importance of drug history in liver disease diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- A 67-year-old patient presented with epigastric discomfort following a respiratory infection treated with erythromycin.
- Abnormal liver function tests indicated underlying hepatic pathology.
Observation:
- Imaging studies revealed multiple, irregular lesions in both liver lobes, initially suspected as metastatic disease.
- Histological examination of a liver biopsy confirmed drug-induced hepatitis.
Findings:
- The patient's liver lesions, initially mimicking metastases, were attributed to erythromycin exposure.
- Complete resolution of hepatic hyperechogenic lesions was observed on ultrasound ten weeks after erythromycin withdrawal.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential hepatotoxicity of erythromycin and the importance of considering drug-induced liver injury in differential diagnoses.
- Prompt drug cessation can lead to full recovery from erythromycin-induced hepatitis, emphasizing careful medication review in patients with unexplained liver abnormalities.