Successful outcome of severe adenovirus hepatitis of the allograft following liver transplantation

Transpl Infect Dis. 2007 Dec;9(4):318-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2007.00205.x. Epub 2007 Jul 1.

Abstract

Here we report the first adult patient who survived severe adenoviral hepatitis of a liver graft, in contrast to 4 previously reported cases in adults, all of which had a fatal outcome. Early diagnosis was based on the immunohistological detection of adenoviral protein in the context of biopsy-proven hepatitis. Dramatic reduction of immunosuppression along with supportive care were the treatment strategies in this case. Adenoviral infection of the allograft should always be considered as a differential diagnosis when clinical signs of severe hepatitis are present after liver transplantation. Accurate diagnosis with immunohistochemical detection of viral proteins in the liver graft is of paramount importance for the early diagnosis and management of this uncommon, severe, and probably underdiagnosed entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / diagnosis
  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / drug therapy
  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / virology*
  • Adult
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / virology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Liver / virology*
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Transplants / virology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Prednisone