Reversible severe glycogenic hepatopathy in type 1 diabetes

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2022 Apr;172(5-6):144-147. doi: 10.1007/s10354-020-00795-6. Epub 2021 Jan 20.

Abstract

Case presentation: We report a case of severe glycogenic hepatopathy in a 17-year-old boy with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes. On presentation, major findings included unexplained pronounced hepatomegaly and increased liver enzymes, ferritin, and triglycerides. Histology and electron microscopy evaluation showed severe glycogen storage, steatosis, and signs of fibrosis, resembling the histomorphological findings of Mauriac syndrome. After information about the nature of the disease and intensification of insulin therapy with insulin pump, liver enzymes, ferritin, and triglycerides normalized within 1 month.

Conclusion: Glycogenic hepatopathy is a rare but important potential complication in poorly controlled juvenile diabetic patients. With improved metabolic control, it is fully reversible.

Keywords: Diabetes; Glycogen; Hepatopathy; Metabolic control; Pediatric hepatology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Glycogen / metabolism
  • Hepatomegaly / complications
  • Hepatomegaly / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases* / complications
  • Liver Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Liver Diseases* / pathology
  • Male

Substances

  • Glycogen