[Severe intrahepatic cholestasis in a 66-year old male patient with medically treated atrial fibrillation]

Abstract

A 66-year-old male was admitted to hospital due to painless jaundice. Because of ischemic cardiomyopathy with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as well as recurrent ventricular tachycardias and fibrillation he was treated with phenprocoumon and amiodarone (200 mg per day) for 2 years. Laboratory tests revealed significant elevation of the parameters of cholestasis and aminotransferase activity. Serological tests excluded infectious, autoimmune or metabolic liver diseases. Abdominal ultrasound and ERCP showed no mechanic cholestasis nor tumor of the pancreas. Cardiac congestive disease was also excluded. Severe intrahepatic cholestasis, consistent with drug-induced hepatotoxic damage, was diagnosed histologically. After discontinuing phenprocoumon the liver enzymes further increased. When amiodarone was stopped, however, laboratory parameters showed a continuous downward tendency. For prevention of malignant cardiac arrhythmia the patient received an atrioventricular defibrillator. Intrahepatic cholestasis is a rare presentation of amiodarone-induced hepatic toxicity. Liver damage can even occur after the drug has been taken for prolonged periods without any problems.