Fatal massive liver steatosis--a clinicopathological case report

Hepatic fatty change is a common lesion. Two forms are recognized: micro- and macrovesicular steatosis, the former being much less frequent and more serious than the latter. The case of an alcoholic woman under anticonvulsivant therapy and with medications for a syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) who presented with rapidly progressive cholestasis and hepatocellular failure is reported. Massive macro- and micro-vesicular hepatic steatosis was diagnosed at autopsy. The authors review the clinico-pathological features associated with this condition, and causal factors possibly implicated in this case are discussed in regard with currently considered pathophysiological mechanisms.