Acute Liver Failure from Herpes Simplex Virus in an Immunocompetent Patient Due to Direct Inoculation of the Peritoneum

ACG Case Rep J. 2017 Feb 15:4:e23. doi: 10.14309/crj.2017.23. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare cause of acute liver failure (ALF). It carries a mortality rate of 80% if untreated, thus early identification and treatment are critical. Without high clinical suspicion, HSV hepatitis is difficult to diagnose. A 48-year-old Hispanic female presented with a 4-day history of abdominal pain and a vaginal cuff tear requiring laparoscopic repair. She subsequently developed postsurgical disseminated HSV, resulting in ALF. Acyclovir was initiated, but she was resistant to treatment. She was given additional foscarnet and responded without requiring a liver transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports