[A case of small cell lung cancer associated with fulminant hepatitis B]

A 48-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of upper abdominal pain, and a cervical tumor, on Oct. 23, 1992. Chest X-ray, CT scan and MRI revealed a tumor (left-S10) and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. A pathological diagnosis of small cell lung cancer was made by transbronchial biopsy. Ultrasonography showed liver metastases. He received four courses of chemotherapy (Carboplatin, Ifosfamide, Etoposide). Three days after the completion of chemotherapy, his serum transaminase level was markedly increased, and he was disorientated on March 4, 1993. In spite of plasma exchange, the patient died due to hepatic failure on March 6, 1993. Fulminant hepatitis in a patient with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy is rarely reported.