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Updated: May 5, 2026

The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented CDE Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury
Published on: October 21, 2017
Abstract:
Two patients who developed biochemical and histological evidence of hepatitis while taking the anti-anginal drug perhexiline maleate are described. The pathological changes were those of mild to moderate fatty change together with a hepatitis which resembled alcoholic hepatitis, including in one patient the presence of material which by light microscopy was indistinguishable from Mallory's alcoholic hyalin. However, the predominantly periportal location of this material contrasted with the centrilobular distribution of Mallory's hyaline. One patient showed, in addition, severe atypia of the hepatocytes which was still present in less pronounced form 10 weeks after stopping perhexiline. The other patient had advanced hepatic fibrosis.
Insights
Perhexiline maleate, an anti-anginal drug, caused hepatitis in two patients. Liver damage included fatty changes and features resembling alcoholic hepatitis, with one patient showing severe hepatocyte atypia.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Perhexiline maleate is an anti-anginal medication.
- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a significant concern in pharmacotherapy.
Observation:
- Two patients on perhexiline maleate developed hepatitis.
- Histological examination revealed mild to moderate fatty changes and hepatitis.
- Pathological features mimicked alcoholic hepatitis, including Mallory's hyaline-like material.
Findings:
- The observed Mallory's hyaline-like material showed a predominantly periportal distribution, differing from the typical centrilobular pattern in alcoholic hepatitis.
- One patient exhibited severe hepatocyte atypia, persisting for 10 weeks post-discontinuation.
- The second patient developed advanced hepatic fibrosis.
Implications:
- This case series highlights perhexiline maleate as a potential cause of DILI.
- The distinct histological pattern may aid in diagnosing drug-induced liver injury.
- Further investigation into the hepatotoxicity of perhexiline is warranted.
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